strangely
gb/stɹˈeɪnd͡ʒli/ us/stɹˈeɪnd͡ʒli/
B1
English
~ 3500
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
In an unusual or unexpected way
In a way that is not normal or usual.
Usage pattern:
[someone] behaves strangely
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'strangely' (adverb) with 'strange' (adjective). Use 'strange' to describe nouns and 'strangely' to describe verbs or adjectives.
Synonyms
oddly (Slightly less formal and more common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
normally (Describes behavior or events that are usual or expected.)
Collocations
act strangely
|look strangely
|feel strangely
|behave strangely
|strangely enough
Themes
communication
|emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He looked at me strangely when I walked into the room.
- The machine has been working strangely all morning.
- She spoke strangely, as if she were hiding something.
- The sky turned strangely dark before the storm began.
Learner examples
- She talks strangely when she is tired.
- The dog acts strangely when it hears loud sounds.
- He walks strangely because his leg hurts.
- The phone is working strangely today.
Grammar
Dictionary form
strangely
IPA
GB/stɹˈeɪnd͡ʒli/
US/stɹˈeɪnd͡ʒli/
Syllables & stress
strangely (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (strangely)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: strangely
- Plural: strangelies
Word family
Expressions
strangely enough
1/stɹˈeɪnd͡ʒli ɪnˈʌf/
fixed phrase
Surprisingly, given the situation
Used to say something is surprising or not what you expected.
Examples
- Strangely enough, I enjoyed the meeting.
- She didn’t study much, but strangely enough, she passed the exam.