Definition

1. Noun:
   • A strange or unusual person, thing, or event: An oddity is something or someone that is peculiar, bizarre, or deviates from the normal or expected.
   • The quality of being strange or peculiar: Oddity can also refer to the state or characteristic of being odd.

Usage

• Use "oddity" to describe a single strange object, person, or fact.
• Use "oddity" to describe the abstract quality of strangeness itself.
• It is a countable noun when referring to a specific strange thing ("an oddity"). It can be uncountable when referring to the general quality ("full of oddity").

Examples

• Referring to a strange thing or person:
  • The two-headed calf was considered a biological oddity.
  • He was regarded as a harmless oddity by his neighbors.
• Referring to the quality of strangeness:
  • The oddity of the situation made everyone uncomfortable.
  • We couldn't help but notice the oddity of his behavior.

Advanced Usage

• "by oddity of": due to a strange feature or circumstance.
  • By oddity of fate, they met again in the same remote village.
• "an oddity of nature": a rare or strange natural phenomenon.
  • The stone formation is a true oddity of nature.

Variants and Related Words

• Odd (adj): strange or unusual.
  • He has some very odd habits.
• Oddly (adv): in a strange or unusual manner.
  • She was oddly quiet during the meeting.

Synonyms

• Curiosity: something unusual that arouses interest.
• Anomaly: something that deviates from what is standard or expected.
• Eccentricity: an odd or unconventional habit or trait.

Antonyms

• Normality: the state of being usual or typical.
• Regularity: the quality of being consistent or usual.

Idioms and Phrases

• A collector's oddity: an unusual item sought by collectors.
  • The antique shop was full of collector's oddities.
• Stand out as an oddity: to be noticeably strange or different.
  • His formal suit made him stand out as an oddity at the casual beach party.

Noun

1. something unusual -- perhaps worthy of collecting
2. a strange attitude or habit
3. eccentricity that is not easily explained