uncharacteristic
Học thuậtThân thiện
The author wrote a cheerful children's book, which was uncharacteristic of her usual dark thrillers.
Definition
Adjective: * Not typical or usual for a particular person, thing, or group; not showing the expected or distinctive qualities.
Usage and Examples
The word "uncharacteristic" is used to describe an action, behavior, or quality that is surprising because it is different from what is normal or expected.
Describing a person's atypical behavior:
- Her uncharacteristic silence during the meeting worried her colleagues.
- He made an uncharacteristic error, which cost his team the game.
Describing something atypical of an object or style:
- The sunny, optimistic tone of the novel is uncharacteristic of the author's usual dark style.
- This sudden engine noise is uncharacteristic for such a reliable car.
Advanced Usage
- "uncharacteristic of": This is the most common prepositional phrase used with this adjective to specify what the atypical thing is being compared to.
- Such careless work is completely uncharacteristic of her.
- "uncharacteristically" (Adverb): The adverb form describes an action performed in a way that is not typical.
- He was uncharacteristically nervous before the presentation.
Variants and Related Words
- Uncharacteristically (adv): In a manner that is not typical.
- Characteristic (adj/n): Typical of a particular person, place, or thing. (This is the direct antonym).
- Atypical (adj): Not representative of a type, group, or class. (A close synonym).
- Anomalous (adj): Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected. (A more formal synonym).
Synonyms
- Atypical
- Unusual
- Unexpected
- Anomalous
- Aberrant
- Out of character
Antonyms
- Characteristic
- Typical
- Usual
- Customary
- Representative
The author wrote a cheerful children's book, which was uncharacteristic of her usual dark thrillers.
Adjective
- distinctive and not typical
- a book uncharacteristic of its author