unusual
/ n'ju: u l/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not commonly encountered or occurring: Describes something that is not frequent, typical, or ordinary in experience or observation.
- Being out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or peculiar: Describes something that deviates from the norm in a way that is surprising or noteworthy.
Usage and Examples
As an adjective describing rarity:
- Two-career families are no longer unusual.
- An unusual meteorite was discovered in the desert.
- It's unusual to see snow in this region.
As an adjective describing strangeness or distinctiveness:
- She has a strange, unusual sense of humor.
- The painting was of unusual beauty.
- He has an unusual ability to remember names.
Advanced Usage
"Cruel and unusual punishment": A legal phrase referring to punishment considered unacceptable due to the suffering, pain, or humiliation it inflicts, or because it is disproportionate to the crime.
- The law forbids cruel and unusual punishment.
To emphasize a positive deviation from the norm:
- The chef's unusual combination of flavors was a delightful surprise.
- His unusual approach to the problem proved to be highly effective.
Variants and Related Words
Unusually (adverb): In a way that is not common or ordinary.
- The weather is unusually warm for January.
Unusualness (noun): The state or quality of being unusual.
- The unusualness of the event attracted media attention.
Synonyms
- Uncommon: Not occurring often; rare.
- Rare: Not found in large numbers and consequently of interest or value.
- Extraordinary: Very unusual or remarkable.
- Peculiar: Strange or odd; unusual.
- Atypical: Not representative of a type, group, or class.
Antonyms
- Usual: Habitually or typically occurring or done; customary.
- Common: Occurring, found, or done often; prevalent.
- Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.
- Customary: According to the customs or usual practices associated with a particular society, place, or set of circumstances.
- Normal: Conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.
Adjective
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not commonly encountered
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two-career families are no longer unusual
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being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
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a strange exaltation that was indefinable
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a strange fantastical mind
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what a strange sense of humor she has
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not usual or common or ordinary
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a scene of unusual beauty
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a man of unusual ability
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cruel and unusual punishment
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an unusual meteorite
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