Peculiar vs. Strange — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
Peculiar often implies a distinctiveness that can lead to curiosity or disapproval, while strange denotes something unfamiliar or inexplicable.
Difference Between Peculiar and Strange
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Peculiar is used to describe things or behaviors that are unusual or unique in a specific context, whereas strange refers to what is unfamiliar or odd to the observer.
Peculiar can carry a connotation of endearing uniqueness, on the other hand, strange often suggests a sense of discomfort or wariness.
In some contexts, peculiar might hint at an intriguing or eccentric characteristic, whereas strange could imply a mysterious or unsettling quality.
Peculiar often suggests a deviation from the norm that may still be somewhat understandable, while strange can indicate a complete deviation from what is considered normal.
When describing personal traits, peculiar might be seen as mildly amusing or quirky, whereas strange might evoke feelings of alienation or significant difference.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Often neutral or slightly positive; quirky
Generally negative; eerie or unsettling
Familiarity
Slightly familiar but unusual
Largely unfamiliar and unexpected
Emotion evoked
Curiosity, amusement
Discomfort, wariness
Usage in speech
Often personal traits or habits
Broad, including events and phenomena
Typical context
More commonly used in personal or localized terms
Wider use, including supernatural themes
Compare with Definitions
Peculiar
Belonging exclusively to some person, group, or thing.
The custom is peculiar to the community.
Strange
Not previously known or encountered; unfamiliar or alien.
He has a strange feeling about this place.
Peculiar
Unusual or different in a way that is either intriguing or uncomfortable.
The artist's peculiar style was both admired and criticized.
Strange
Pertaining to something that is mysterious and hard to understand.
The legend speaks of strange occurrences in the forest.
Peculiar
Odd or strange; not usual.
It's peculiar that he didn't mention the meeting.
Strange
Different from what is usual or expected; surprising.
The weather in April was strangely cold.
Peculiar
Distinctive in nature or character from others.
This wine has a peculiar aroma.
Strange
Odd or unusual in a way that provokes interest or suspicion.
There's a strange car parked outside.
Peculiar
Specific to a particular individual or group.
She has a peculiar way of smiling when she's nervous.
Strange
Not feeling comfortable or at ease; awkward.
She felt strange in the new school.
Peculiar
Not ordinary or usual; odd or strange
Noticed a peculiar odor in the room.
Strange
Unusual or surprising; difficult to understand or explain
Children have some strange ideas
It is strange how things change
He's a very strange man
Peculiar
Belonging distinctively or primarily to one person, group, or kind; special or unique
A species peculiar to the high desert.
Strange
Not previously visited, seen, or encountered; unfamiliar or alien
A harsh accent that was strange to his ears
She was lost in a strange country
Peculiar
A privilege or property that is exclusively one's own.
Strange
(of a subatomic particle) having a non-zero value for strangeness.
Peculiar
Chiefly British A church or parish under the jurisdiction of a diocese different from that in which it lies.
Strange
Not previously known; unfamiliar
Saw lots of strange faces at the reception.
Heard music that was strange to me.
Peculiar
Out of the ordinary; odd; strange; unusual.
The sky had a peculiar appearance before the storm.
It would be rather peculiar to see a kangaroo hopping down a city street.
Strange
Not of one's own or a particular locality, environment, or kind; not native
Came across a flower that was strange to the region.
Peculiar
Common or usual for a certain place or circumstance; specific or particular.
Kangaroos are peculiar to Australia.
Strange
Out of the ordinary or difficult to account for; unusual or peculiar
Events took a strange twist last week.
Peculiar
(dated) One's own; belonging solely or especially to an individual; not shared or possessed by others.
Strange
Reserved in manner; distant or cool
The once affable man slowly became strange to his friends.
Peculiar
(dated) Particular; individual; special; appropriate.
Strange
Not comfortable or at ease
I felt strange and out of place at the party because I didn't know any of the guests.
Peculiar
That which is peculiar; a sole or exclusive property; a prerogative; a characteristic.
Strange
Not accustomed or conditioned
She was strange to her new duties.
Peculiar
An ecclesiastical district, parish, chapel or church outside the jurisdiction of the bishop of the diocese in which it is situated.
Strange
(Physics) Of, relating to, or exhibiting strangeness.
Peculiar
One's own; belonging solely or especially to an individual; not possessed by others; of private, personal, or characteristic possession and use; not owned in common or in participation.
And purify unto himself a peculiar people.
Hymns . . . that Christianity hath peculiar unto itself.
Strange
In a strange manner
He's been acting strange lately.
Peculiar
Particular; individual; special; appropriate.
While each peculiar power forgoes his wonted seat.
My fate is Juno's most peculiar care.
Strange
Not normal; odd, unusual, surprising, out of the ordinary.
He thought it strange that his girlfriend wore shorts in the winter.
Peculiar
Unusual; singular; rare; strange; as, the sky had a peculiar appearance.
Beauty, which, either walking or asleep,Shot forth peculiar graces.
For naught so vile that on the earth doth live,But to the earth some special good doth give.
Strange
Unfamiliar, not yet part of one's experience.
I moved to a strange town when I was ten.
Peculiar
That which is peculiar; a sole or exclusive property; a prerogative; a characteristic.
Revenge is . . . the peculiar of Heaven.
Strange
Outside of one's current relationship; unfamiliar.
Peculiar
A particular parish or church which is exempt from the jurisdiction of the ordinary.
Strange
(particle physics) Having the quantum mechanical property of strangeness.
Peculiar
Beyond or deviating from the usual or expected;
A curious hybrid accent
Her speech has a funny twang
They have some funny ideas about war
Had an odd name
The peculiar aromatic odor of cloves
Something definitely queer about this town
What a rum fellow
Singular behavior
Strange
(math) Of an attractor: having a fractal structure.
Peculiar
Unique or specific to a person or thing or category;
The particular demands of the job
Has a paraticular preference for Chinese art
A peculiar bond of sympathy between them
An expression peculiar to Canadians
Rights peculiar to the rich
The special features of a computer
My own special chair
Strange
(obsolete) Belonging to another country; foreign.
Peculiar
Markedly different from the usual;
A peculiar hobby of stuffing and mounting bats
A man...feels it a peculiar insult to be taunted with cowardice by a woman
Strange
(obsolete) Reserved; distant in deportment.
Peculiar
Characteristic of one only; distinctive or special;
The peculiar character of the Government of the U.S.
Strange
(obsolete) Backward; slow.
Strange
(obsolete) Not familiar; unaccustomed; inexperienced.
Strange
(legal) Not belonging to one.
Strange
To alienate; to estrange.
Strange
To be estranged or alienated.
Strange
To wonder; to be astonished at (something).
Strange
Belonging to another country; foreign.
One of the strange queen's lords.
I do not contemn the knowledge of strange and divers tongues.
Strange
Of or pertaining to others; not one's own; not pertaining to one's self; not domestic.
So she, impatient her own faults to see,Turns from herself, and in strange things delights.
Strange
Not before known, heard, or seen; new.
Here is the hand and seal of the duke; you know the character, I doubt not; and the signet is not strange to you.
Strange
Not according to the common way; novel; odd; unusual; irregular; extraordinary; unnatural; queer.
Sated at length, erelong I might perceiveStrange alteration in me.
Strange
Reserved; distant in deportment.
She may be strange and shy at first, but will soon learn to love thee.
Strange
Backward; slow.
Who, loving the effect, would not be strangeIn favoring the cause.
Strange
Not familiar; unaccustomed; inexperienced.
In thy fortunes am unlearned and strange.
Strange! what extremes should thus preserve the snowHigh on the Alps, or in deep caves below.
Strange
Strangely.
Most strange, but yet most truly, will I speak.
Strange
To alienate; to estrange.
Strange
To be estranged or alienated.
Strange
To wonder; to be astonished.
Strange
Being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird;
A strange exaltation that was indefinable
A strange fantastical mind
What a strange sense of humor she has
Strange
Not known before;
Used many strange words
Saw many strange faces in the crowd
Don't let anyone unknown into the house
Strange
Not at ease or comfortable;
Felt strange among so many important people
Common Curiosities
Can "peculiar" and "strange" be used interchangeably?
While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, "peculiar" often implies a unique kind of oddness, whereas "strange" suggests a broader sense of unfamiliarity.
What psychological effects might "strange" evoke in an individual?
The term "strange" can evoke feelings of unease, fear, or wariness as it highlights aspects of unpredictability or potential danger.
In what situations would "strange" be the more appropriate description?
"Strange" is more appropriate in situations where there is an element of the unknown or unexpected that might invoke confusion or discomfort.
Is "peculiar" considered formal or informal in usage?
"Peculiar" is relatively formal and often used in written English or in more deliberate speech.
Does "strange" carry a formal or informal connotation?
"Strange" can be used both formally and informally, but it is common in everyday casual conversation.
What historical changes have occurred in the usage of "peculiar" and "strange"?
Historically, "peculiar" had more of a connotation of ownership or particularity, whereas "strange" has consistently carried meanings related to foreignness and unfamiliarity.
How does the impact of "peculiar" differ from "strange" in social contexts?
In social contexts, describing someone as "peculiar" might imply quirky traits that are harmless or intriguing, while "strange" could suggest behavior that is unsettling or difficult to understand.
Is "strange" ever used positively?
Yes, in contexts like fiction or when discussing the intrigue of the unknown, "strange" can have a positive, exciting connotation.
Can "peculiar" be a compliment?
Yes, "peculiar" can be used as a compliment, highlighting someone’s unique and positive qualities that set them apart.
How do "peculiar" and "strange" relate to supernatural themes?
"Strange" is commonly associated with supernatural themes, evoking the eerie or bizarre, while "peculiar" might be used to describe unique or specific supernatural characteristics.
What are typical scenarios where you might use "peculiar"?
"Peculiar" is typically used when something or someone displays characteristics that are not only unusual but specifically distinctive in some way.
How do children typically react to the use of "peculiar" vs. "strange"?
Children might find "peculiar" to be a curious or fascinating term, whereas "strange" could either intrigue or frighten them depending on the context.
What are the challenges in translating "peculiar" and "strange" to other languages?
Translating these terms can be challenging as the connotations and cultural nuances may not directly align, potentially altering the perceived meaning in another language.
What literary devices are commonly used with "peculiar" and "strange"?
Both terms are often used in similes and metaphors to enhance descriptions of characters, settings, or events that deviate from the norm.
How do different cultures interpret "peculiar" and "strange"?
Cultural interpretations can vary; some cultures might see "peculiar" as a charming or valuable trait, while others might view "strange" with suspicion or caution.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
