1 idiosyncrasies | Definition of idiosyncrasies

idiosyncrasy

noun
id·​i·​o·​syn·​cra·​sy | \ ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē How to pronounce idiosyncrasy (audio) \
plural idiosyncrasies

Definition of idiosyncrasy

1a : 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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Other Words from idiosyncrasy

idiosyncratic \ ˌi-​dē-​ō-​(ˌ)sin-​ˈkra-​tik How to pronounce idiosyncratic (audio) \ adjective
idiosyncratically \ ˌi-​dē-​ō-​(ˌ)sin-​ˈkra-​ti-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce idiosyncratically (audio) \ adverb

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 on the Web

If attached, the two of you need to accept the other's idiosyncrasies. BostonGlobe.com, "Horoscope," 29 Aug. 2019 The show makes sure that his idiosyncrasies are as present as the story itself. Luis Miguel Echegaray, SI.com, "Bielsa's Aura at Heart of Amazon's New Leeds United Docu-Series," 15 Aug. 2019 Lynch also believed the department lacked the expertise to manage multiple vendors, each with its own idiosyncrasies. James Bandler, ProPublica, "How Amazon and Silicon Valley Seduced the Pentagon," 22 Aug. 2019 That blend of outlandish achievement and disruptive idiosyncrasy was central to his appeal. The Economist, "Remembering third-party presidential candidate Ross Perot," 11 July 2019 And here’s what’s off about it: The dollar sign is listed after the prices, not before—a European idiosyncrasy. Brad Chacos, PCWorld, "Take that Intel 10th-gen 'Comet Lake' CPU leak with a massive grain of salt," 10 July 2019 As a Senate candidate and state attorney general, Hawley opened an antitrust probe against Google and sought to keep the idiosyncrasies of his traditionalist conservatism out of public view, if not quite chained to the basement. Alexander Zaitchik, The New Republic, "Is Josh Hawley For Real?," 25 July 2019 Spencer used the multimedia messaging app to share his life, and his numerous idiosyncrasies, with thousands of fans, giving them a sneak peek into his ultra zen world. Ineye Komonibo, Marie Claire, "Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt Are Living the Good Life Again," 15 July 2019 This ranking is not without its own idiosyncrasies, many of which reflect how drugs are currently used and regulated. The Economist, "What is the most dangerous drug?," 25 June 2019

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.

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First Known Use of idiosyncrasy

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for idiosyncrasy

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

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More Definitions for idiosyncrasy

idiosyncrasy

noun

English Language Learners Definition of idiosyncrasy

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

idiosyncrasy

noun
id·​i·​o·​syn·​cra·​sy | \ ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē How to pronounce idiosyncrasy (audio) \
plural idiosyncrasies

Kids Definition of idiosyncrasy

: 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

idiosyncrasy

noun
id·​io·​syn·​cra·​sy | \ ˌid-ē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē How to pronounce idiosyncrasy (audio) \
plural idiosyncrasies

Medical Definition of idiosyncrasy

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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