Basic Details
Word: Peculiar
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Something that is strange, unusual, or different from what is normal.
Synonyms: Uncommon, odd, unusual
Antonyms: Ordinary, normal, usual
Idioms and Phrases
- Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back: This phrase implies that exploring strange or peculiar things can lead to unexpected discoveries. Example: "Her peculiar interest in insects showed that curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back when she found a new species."
- Strange bedfellows: Refers to unlikely or peculiar companions that come together. Example: "The peculiar pairing of the old cat and dog became a funny story, proving that strange bedfellows often create unexpected friendships."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The museum displayed a peculiar artefact that fascinated all the visitors.
Example 2: His peculiar way of talking made everyone laugh, even though he didnt mean to be funny.
Example 3: The peculiar shape of the rock made it look like a dinosaur from a distance.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "peculiar" comes from the Latin word "peculiaris," meaning 'of one's own,' which referred to something that belonged exclusively to an individual? Over time, it evolved to describe anything that is strange or out of the ordinary.
Famous Quote
"The world is full of peculiar things, and I find beauty in their oddity." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "peculiar" mean?
a) Something very common
b) Something strange or unusual
c) Something big and heavy
d) Something extremely simple
Answer: b) Something strange or unusual
2. Which of these is a synonym of "peculiar"?
a) Normal
b) Odd
c) Usual
d) Regular
Answer: b) Odd
3. Which is an antonym of "peculiar"?
a) Strange
b) Uncommon
c) Ordinary
d) Rare
Answer: c) Ordinary
4. Which sentence uses "peculiar" correctly?
a) The sun was peculiar as it rose in the east.
b) She wore a peculiar hat that caught everyone's attention.
c) The book was peculiar because it was a simple story.
d) He took a peculiar shortcut that led him home.
Answer: b) She wore a peculiar hat that caught everyone's attention.
5. Which idiom could relate to the meaning of "peculiar"?
a) A piece of cake
b) Keep your chin up
c) Strange bedfellows
d) Under the weather
Answer: c) Strange bedfellows
