Definition

1. Adverb:
   • To an unusual or notable degree; especially: Used to emphasize that something is more true or applicable in a specific case than is generally common.
   • In an odd, strange, or unexpected manner: Describes an action or quality that is different from what is usual or normal.
   • In a way that is distinctive or characteristic of a particular person, place, or thing: Indicates a manner that is uniquely typical of something.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (Emphasizing degree):
  • The test was peculiarly difficult for the beginners.
  • She was peculiarly sensitive to criticism.
• Adverb (In a strange manner):
  • He was acting peculiarly, whispering to himself.
  • The machine began to sound peculiarly.
• Adverb (In a characteristic manner):
  • This dish is peculiarly regional in its flavors.
  • A sense of humor peculiarly his own.

Advanced Usage

• "Peculiarly enough": Used to introduce a statement that is surprisingly true or odd.
  • Peculiarly enough, the quietest student gave the most passionate speech.
• "Peculiarly suited to": Uniquely appropriate or fitting for a specific purpose or situation.
  • His skills are peculiarly suited to this kind of investigative work.

Variants and Related Words

• Peculiar (adj): Strange or unusual; belonging specifically to.
  • A peculiar smell came from the basement.
  • A custom peculiar to this island.
• Peculiarity (n): A strange or unusual feature; a characteristic that is distinctive of a person or place.
  • One of the peculiarities of his writing style is its brevity.

Synonyms

• Especially: Used to single out one person or thing over all others.
• Particularly: To a higher degree than is usual or average.
• Curiously: In a strange and unusual way.
• Uniquely: In a way that belongs or is connected to only one particular thing.

Related Phrases

• Peculiarly American/British/etc.: Characteristic of or specific to a named culture or place.
  • A peculiarly British sense of reserve.

Adverb

1. to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
   • he was particularly fussy about spelling
   • a particularly gruesome attack
   • under peculiarly tragic circumstances
   • an especially (or specially) cautious approach to the danger
2. in a manner differing from the usual or expected
   • had a curiously husky voice
   • he's behaving rather peculiarly
3. uniquely or characteristically
   • these peculiarly cinematic elements
   • a peculiarly French phenomenon
   • everyone has a moment in history which belongs particularly to him- John Knowles