idiosyncrasy

noun id·i·o·syn·cra·sy \ ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē \

Definition of idiosyncrasy

plural idiosyncrasies

1 a :a peculiarity of constitution or temperament :an individualizing characteristic or quality

b :individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)

2 :characteristic peculiarity (as of temperament); broadly :eccentricity

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idiosyncratic

play \ˌi-dē-ō-(ˌ)sin-ˈkra-tik\ adjective

—

idiosyncratically

play \ˌi-dē-ō-(ˌ)sin-ˈkra-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See idiosyncrasy defined for English-language learners

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Examples of idiosyncrasy in a Sentence

Her habit of using “like” in every sentence was just one of her idiosyncrasies.
The current system has a few idiosyncracies.

Recent Examples of idiosyncrasy from the Web

Some players might like the idiosyncrasies born from the sloppier parts of StarCraft's controls.

— steven strom, Ars Technica, "StarCraft Remastered review: Brood War keeps on ticking, clicking," 21 Aug. 2017
The working environment of the studio was a private place that tended to take on the idiosyncrasies of the occupant.

— cullen murphy, Vanities, "When Fairfield County Was the Comic-Strip Capital of the World," 9 Aug. 2017
But now this peculiar creature, famous for its regenerative abilities (like when some grew two heads in space), may have another unforeseen idiosyncrasy:

— joanna klein, New York Times, "Chop Off This Worm’s Head and It Can Still Detect Light," 31 July 2017
As Casey Newton shows at The Verge, Instagram is the driving force behind the current vogue for easily reproduced, sleek-kitschy idiosyncrasy — including adjustable lighting that allows diners to take the most flattering selfie possible.

— ben huberman, Longreads, "To Be an Instagram-Ready Restaurant, Don’t Forget Your Selfie-Optimized Lamps," 27 July 2017
The term is not recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, and mental health experts debate whether or not the affliction is a true phobia, with some opting more frequently to label it an idiosyncrasy, or unusual behavior. …

— chris stirewalt, Fox News, "Least surprising failure ever," 18 July 2017
The term is not recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, and mental health experts debate whether or not the affliction is a true phobia, with some opting more frequently to label it an idiosyncrasy, or unusual behavior.

— sarah gibbens, National Geographic, "If These Photos Disgust You, You May Have Trypophobia," 12 July 2017
As a result, though, the book has a handle on many of Molina's idiosyncrasies.

— kevin warwick, Chicago Reader, "Erin Osmon’s Jason Molina: Riding With the Ghost follows the rise and fall of the beloved singer-songwriter," 16 June 2017
That’s unusual in today’s league, in a PC world, where architectural quirks have given way to state-of-the-art facilities long on amenities, but often short on grit. Idiosyncrasies.

— colin fleming, SI.com, "Predators’ Bridgestone Arena offers a special kind of home ice advantage," 11 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'idiosyncrasy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of idiosyncrasy

Greek idiosynkrasia, from idio- + synkerannynai to blend, from syn- + kerannynai to mingle, mix — more at crater

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First Known Use: 1604

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idiosyncrasy Synonyms

Synonyms

crotchet, curiosity, eccentricity, erraticism, individualism, kink, mannerism, oddity, peculiarity, quiddity, quip, quirk, singularity, tic, trick, twist

Near Antonyms

conformity, sameness

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

IDIOSYNCRASY Defined for English Language Learners

idiosyncrasy

noun

Definition of idiosyncrasy for English Language Learners

: an unusual way in which a particular person behaves or thinks
: an unusual part or feature of something

IDIOSYNCRASY Defined for Kids

idiosyncrasy

noun id·i·o·syn·cra·sy \ ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē \

Definition of idiosyncrasy for Students

plural idiosyncrasies

:an unusual way of behaving or thinking that is characteristic of a person

When you know someone a long time, you become accustomed to their idiosyncrasies …
—Lemony Snicket, The Ersatz Elevator

Medical Dictionary

idiosyncrasy

noun id·io·syn·cra·sy \ ˌid-ē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē \

medical Definition of idiosyncrasy

plural idiosyncrasies

1 :a peculiarity of physical or mental constitution or temperament

2 :individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)

anemia accompanying the use of a sulfa drug is usually considered to be due to idiosyncrasy

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Origin and Etymology of idiosyncrasy

idiosyncrasy Synonyms

Synonyms

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Other Psychology Terms

IDIOSYNCRASY Defined for English Language Learners

idiosyncrasy

Definition of idiosyncrasy for English Language Learners

IDIOSYNCRASY Defined for Kids

idiosyncrasy

Definition of idiosyncrasy for Students

Medical Dictionary

idiosyncrasy

medical Definition of idiosyncrasy

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