idiosyncratic
gb/ˌɪdioʊsˌɪŋkɹˈætɪk/ us/ˌɪdioʊsˌɪŋkɹˈætɪk/
C1
English
sajátos, egyéni, különös, szokatlan, idioszinkráziás
C1
1
Usage pattern:
idiosyncratic to [someone/something]
The software was built around an idiosyncratic workflow that only its original designer understood.
A szoftvert egy sajátos munkafolyamat köré építették, amelyet csak az eredeti tervezője értett.
Her writing is full of idiosyncratic turns of phrase that make it instantly recognizable.
Az írása tele van sajátos fordulatokkal, amelyektől azonnal felismerhető.
The museum’s catalog uses an idiosyncratic classification system developed decades ago.
Learner examples
He has an idiosyncratic way of speaking.
Sajátos beszédmódja van.
This rule is idiosyncratic to our company.
Ez a szabály csak a mi cégünkre jellemző.
Common mistake:
Often misspelled (idiosyncratic) and sometimes confused with unrelated words like idiotic.
Meaning
distinctive to one person or thing
Collocations
idiosyncratic to
|an idiosyncratic feature
|an idiosyncratic trait
|an idiosyncratic habit
|an idiosyncratic approach
|an idiosyncratic method
|an idiosyncratic vocabulary
|an idiosyncratic style
|an idiosyncratic system
|deeply idiosyncratic
Synonyms
distinctive (More general and usually positive; less focused on personal quirks.)
|
individual (Highlights uniqueness, but not necessarily unusualness.)
|
characteristic (Neutral; emphasizes typical features rather than unusual ones.)
Antonyms
typical (Shared by many; not unique to one person or thing.)
|
common (Frequent and widely shared rather than distinctive.)
Themes
people
|personality
|language
|culture
Definition
unique or special to one person or thing
Having characteristics or habits that are particular to one person, group, or thing, and not shared by others in the same general category.
C1
2
Usage pattern:
an idiosyncratic [idea/style/plan/behavior]
The restaurant has an idiosyncratic menu that changes every day with no warning.
Az étterem étlapja meglehetősen szokatlan: minden nap minden előzetes figyelmeztetés nélkül változik.
His idiosyncratic sense of humor doesn’t always land with new coworkers.
A különös humorérzéke nem mindig jön be az új munkatársaknak.
The film’s idiosyncratic style is part of what makes it memorable.
Learner examples
She wears idiosyncratic clothes.
Különös ruhákat hord.
They chose an idiosyncratic design.
Szokatlan dizájnt választottak.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse it to mean simply 'strange'; it often suggests a recognizable personal quirk or nonstandard style.
Meaning
unusual in a quirky way
Collocations
idiosyncratic sense of humor
|idiosyncratic taste
|idiosyncratic design
|idiosyncratic manner
|idiosyncratic behavior
|idiosyncratic fashion
|idiosyncratic interpretation
|idiosyncratic idea
|idiosyncratic solution
|idiosyncratic charm
Synonyms
quirky (More informal and often affectionate.)
|
eccentric (Stronger; often suggests a person's overall lifestyle or personality.)
|
unconventional (Emphasizes not following normal methods or traditions.)
Antonyms
conventional (Follows common standards and expectations.)
|
ordinary (Not unusual or distinctive.)
Themes
people
|daily_life
|art
Definition
a bit strange or unusual in a personal way
Unusual and slightly strange, often in a way that seems personal, quirky, or not standard.
C2
TECHNICAL
3
Usage pattern:
an idiosyncratic reaction to [something]
The patient experienced an idiosyncratic reaction to the medication despite a standard dose.
A beteg a szokásos adag ellenére idioszinkráziás reakciót mutatott a gyógyszerre.
Doctors monitored her closely because of a history of idiosyncratic drug responses.
Az orvosok szorosan megfigyelték, mert korábban is előfordultak nála idioszinkráziás gyógyszerreakciók.
Learner examples
He had an idiosyncratic reaction to the medicine.
Idioszinkráziás reakciója volt a gyógyszerre.
Common mistake:
In medical contexts it refers to an atypical reaction, not simply a person's habits or personality.
Meaning
caused by an unusual personal reaction
Collocations
idiosyncratic reaction
|idiosyncratic response
|idiosyncratic sensitivity
|idiosyncratic adverse effect
|idiosyncratic drug reaction
|idiosyncratic toxicity
Synonyms
atypical (More general; does not specifically imply it is unique to certain individuals.)
|
unpredictable (Focuses on difficulty anticipating it rather than individual specificity.)
Antonyms
typical (Occurs in the usual way for most people.)
|
expected (Occurs as normally predicted or commonly observed.)
Themes
health
|medicine
Definition
an unusual reaction that only some people have
Relating to an unusual reaction that some individuals have to a drug, food, or other stimulus, which is not typical of most people.
Grammar
Dictionary form
idiosyncratic
IPA
GB/ˌɪdioʊsˌɪŋkɹˈætɪk/
US/ˌɪdioʊsˌɪŋkɹˈætɪk/
Syllables & stress
idio - syn - crat - ic (4 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (ic)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: idiosyncratic
Word family
Core family
idiosyncrasy
noun C1
Related words
idiosyncratically
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
non-idiosyncratic
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.