What does "peculiar" mean?
That which is peculiar; a sole or exclusive property; a prerogative; a characteristic.
Peculiar
/pɪˈkjul.jɚ/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: That which is peculiar; a sole or exclusive property; a prerogative; a characteristic.
- Grammar: peculiar is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: curious, odd, particular, aberrant.
- Useful contrasts: generic, normal, common.
- Usage evidence: Every nation has its peculiar character.
How to use "peculiar"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "peculiar" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "peculiar" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "peculiar" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "peculiar" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "peculiar" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "curious" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "peculiar", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 That which is peculiar; a sole or exclusive property; a prerogative; a characteristic.
"before 1716, Robert South, Twelve Sermons If anything can legalize revenge, it should be injury from an extremely obliged person; but revenge is so absolutely the peculiar of heaven."
- 2 an ecclesiastical district, parish, chapel or church outside the jurisdiction of the bishop of the diocese in which it is situated. UK
Adjective
- 1 Out of the ordinary; odd; strange; unusual.
"The sky had a peculiar appearance before the storm."
- 2 Common or usual for a certain place or circumstance; specific or particular.
"Kangaroos are peculiar to Australia."
- 3 One's own; belonging solely or especially to an individual; not shared or possessed by others. dated
"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
- 4 Particular; individual; special; appropriate. dated
"while each peculiar power forgoes his wonted seat"
Adjective
- 1 characteristic of one only; distinctive or special wordnet
- 2 markedly different from the usual; special wordnet
- 3 beyond or deviating from the usual or expected wordnet
- 4 unique or specific to a person or thing or category wordnet
Example
"Every nation has its peculiar character."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "peculiar"?
Common synonyms include: curious, odd, particular, aberrant, abnormal, absurd.
How do you use "peculiar" in a sentence?
Every nation has its peculiar character.
How do you pronounce "peculiar"?
Pronounced /pɪˈkjul.jɚ/.
Etymology
From Latin pecūliāris (“one's own”), from pecūlium (“private property”), from pecus (“cattle”).