Peculiar
/pɪˈkjuː.li.ər/noun
Strange or unusual; distinctive in nature or character.
Did you know?The origin of 'peculiar' reveals its roots in Latin, where it once meant 'private property', suggesting that what makes something strange may actually belong to someone’s unique experience.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
peculiaris
“Belonging to an individual, private.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
peculium
“Private property, often related to wealth or possessions.”
Old French
Old French
peculier
“Particular, individual; distinctive.”
Middle English
Middle English
peculiere
“Strange, unusual; belonging to one.”
Modern English
Modern English
peculiar
“Strange or unusual; distinctive in nature.”