peculiarly
gb/pɪkjˈuljɚli/ us/pɪkjˈuljɚli/
C1
English
~ 5200
Senses
0 senses
unknown
C1
property
1
in a strange or odd way
In a way that feels strange or not normal.
Usage pattern:
peculiarly [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "peculiarly" when they only mean "especially" or "very." In most everyday situations, use "very" or "really" for emphasis, and reserve "peculiarly" for when something feels strange or not normal.
Synonyms
strangely (A very common, neutral alternative; slightly less formal-sounding than "peculiarly.")
|
oddly (Emphasizes the feeling of something being odd or unexpected, similar tone to "peculiarly.")
Antonyms
normally (Focuses on things happening in the usual or expected way, the opposite of something happening peculiarly.)
|
typically (Suggests happening in the usual or standard way, not in a strange or unusual way.)
Collocations
peculiarly quiet
|peculiarly shaped
|peculiarly disturbing
|peculiarly intense
|peculiarly empty
|behave peculiarly
Themes
description
|evaluation
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Examples
- He was acting peculiarly all evening, refusing to answer simple questions.
- The house felt peculiarly silent after the children left.
- The sky looked peculiarly green before the storm rolled in.
- She had a peculiarly distant look in her eyes.
- The engine made a peculiarly high-pitched noise before stopping.
Learner examples
- The dog is behaving peculiarly today.
- The room seems peculiarly cold for summer.
- He smiled in a peculiarly sad way.
- The soup tastes peculiarly sweet.
- She feels peculiarly tired this morning.
unknown
formal
C1
property
2
especially or characteristically
In a way that is special to one person, group, or thing, and not to others.
Usage pattern:
peculiarly [adjective/past participle]
Common mistake:
Learners often think "peculiarly" only means "strangely." In formal writing, it can also mean "especially" or "in a way that is very typical of," as in "humor that is peculiarly British." In casual speech, "especially" or "particularly" is usually preferred.
Synonyms
particularly (Very close in meaning, but more common and neutral; does not always carry the idea of "distinctive" or "uniquely" in the same way.)
|
distinctively (Stresses features that clearly mark something out as different; often interchangeable but more focused on visible or clear differences.)
Antonyms
generally (Suggests something is true in a broad or usual way, not in a way that is special to one person or group.)
|
commonly (Highlights that something is shared by many, not uniquely or especially tied to one specific case.)
Collocations
peculiarly suited
|peculiarly appropriate
|peculiarly relevant
|peculiarly his own
|peculiarly British
|peculiarly modern
Themes
description
|culture
|evaluation
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Examples
- The role is peculiarly suited to her calm and patient nature.
- This problem is peculiarly relevant to young parents living in cities.
- The book captures a humor that is peculiarly British.
- He speaks with a style that is peculiarly his own.
- These rules are peculiarly important in financial reporting.
Learner examples
- This job is peculiarly suited to your skills.
- That song is peculiarly popular in this country.
- The food here is peculiarly local to this area.
- Her voice is peculiarly strong for such a small person.
- These ideas are peculiarly common in modern art.
Grammar
Dictionary form
peculiarly
IPA
GB/pɪkjˈuljɚli/
US/pɪkjˈuljɚli/
Syllables & stress
pe - cu - li - arly (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cu)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: peculiarly
- Plural: peculiarlies
Word family
Expressions
peculiarly enough
1/pɪkjˈuljɚli ɪnˈʌf/
fixed phrase
surprisingly or strangely, as it happens
Used before a sentence to say that what you are going to say is surprising or strange.
Examples
- Peculiarly enough, no one complained about the sudden change in schedule.
- Peculiarly enough, the quietest student in class became the best public speaker.
- Peculiarly enough, the old computer worked better than the new one.
peculiarly suited to
1/pɪkjˈuljɚli sˈutɪd tə/
fixed phrase
formal
especially appropriate or fitting for
Very good or very right for a particular person, job, place, or purpose.
Examples
- Her experience in education makes her peculiarly suited to lead the project.
- The city’s climate is peculiarly suited to growing this type of grape.