idiosyncrasy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word idiosyncrasy is correct and usable in written English.
Idiosyncrasy is an noun that refers to an individual's typical or peculiar behavior or trait. Example: His idiosyncrasy for quoting long passages from books was often a source of amusement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A CERTAIN genre of books about English extols the language's supposed difficulty and idiosyncrasy.

The Economist

But the polls are revealing an idiosyncrasy that suggests this may not matter as much as might be imagined.Large numbers of Italians now say they would back the Democratic Party, if only it would run alone.

The Economist

As the strategic calculus shifts to territory won or lost and casualties suffered, a new idiosyncrasy in human decision making appears: our deep-seated aversion to cutting our losses.

The Economist

He was a most delightful man, with many a charming idiosyncrasy— And his great-great-great-uncle, a general, gave his name to Nashville in Tennasy.

The Economist

ALL the world recognises the exuberant energy, invention and idiosyncrasy that are synonymous with the culture of the United States.

The Economist

The other is the idiosyncrasy of Italy's electoral system.

The Economist

For the record, this particular idiosyncrasy goes back to 1848 when the Austrians crushed a national uprising and celebrated the impending execution of upstart Hungarian leaders with a veritable cacophony of beer glass clinking.

The Economist

But the second idiosyncrasy is more important.

The Economist

Idiosyncrasy is a genetically determined hypersusceptibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although Bloch and Strayer employed the feudal construct throughout their careers, both admitted the idiosyncrasy of the various definitions of the feudal labels that have been proposed, and both acknowledged that focusing on the construct inevitably obscures the human beings, both individuals and groups, whose actions historians are dedicated to comprehending.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Modest Mouse, American alternative rock group known for musical idiosyncrasy and darkly comical lyrics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "idiosyncrasy" to describe a specific and unique characteristic or behavior of an individual, group, or system. Ensure the context clearly identifies what is peculiar or distinctive.

Common error

Avoid using "idiosyncrasy" as a general term for any difference or variation. It specifically denotes a peculiar and distinguishing trait, not just any random attribute.

Linguistic Context

The word "idiosyncrasy" functions primarily as a noun. It denotes a characteristic, habit, or mannerism that is peculiar to an individual or a group. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "idiosyncrasy" is a noun used to describe a peculiar or unique characteristic, habit, or mannerism. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While alternatives like "peculiarity" or "quirk" exist, "idiosyncrasy" maintains its distinctiveness in highlighting notable deviations from the norm. As Ludwig's analysis shows, using "idiosyncrasy" effectively requires careful attention to its specific meaning to avoid overgeneralization. The term is well-suited for neutral and formal registers, making it a versatile choice for diverse writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peculiarity

Focuses on the odd or unusual nature of something.

oddity

Highlights the strangeness or atypical quality.

quirk

Emphasizes a minor, often endearing, peculiarity.

eccentricity

Suggests a deviation from the norm, often in a charming way.

mannerism

Refers to a habitual gesture or way of speaking.

foible

Indicates a minor weakness or failing in character.

distinctive trait

Highlights a characteristic that sets someone or something apart.

unconventionality

Emphasizes a lack of conformity to accepted norms.

singularity

Focuses on the unique and unparalleled nature.

uniqueness

Highlights the state of being unlike anything else.

FAQs

How can I use "idiosyncrasy" in a sentence?

"Idiosyncrasy" refers to a peculiar habit or characteristic. For instance, "His "idiosyncrasy" of collecting vintage stamps made him unique."

What are some alternatives to the word "idiosyncrasy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "peculiarity", "quirk", or "eccentricity".

Is there a difference between "idiosyncrasy" and "eccentricity"?

While both terms describe unusual behavior, "idiosyncrasy" refers to any peculiar habit or trait, whereas "eccentricity" often implies a more deliberate or extreme deviation from the norm.

Can "idiosyncrasy" be used to describe objects or only people?

"Idiosyncrasy" can describe the unique characteristics of objects, systems, or even languages, not just people. For example, "The "idiosyncrasy" of English spelling is well-known."