i-d-i-o-s-y-n-c-r-a-t-i-c
IDIOSYNCRATIC means peculiar to an individual; having a distinctive or unusual characteristic, behavior, or way of thinking that is specific to a particular person or thing.
21
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
IDIOSYNCRATIC is an adjective that describes something or someone having peculiar or distinctive characteristics that are unique to an individual. It refers to behaviors, habits, mannerisms, or ways of thinking that are particular to a specific person and set them apart from others.
In broader usage, idiosyncratic can describe any unusual feature, quality, or habit that is characteristic of a particular person, place, or thing. For example, an artist might have an idiosyncratic style, a writer might use idiosyncratic punctuation, or a machine might have idiosyncratic quirks in its operation.
Common contexts:
The word idiosyncratic comes from the Greek roots: idios meaning "one's own, personal, private" + syn meaning "together" + krasis meaning "mixture, temperament." It entered English in the early 17th century through the French idiosyncrasie.
Originally used in medicine to describe a person's unique physical constitution or susceptibility to certain substances, the term evolved to encompass behavioral and psychological peculiarities. By the 18th century, it had broadened to mean any distinctive personal characteristic or mannerism.
The progression of meaning reflects a shift from describing physical reactions to encompassing all forms of individual peculiarities, making it a versatile term for describing unique personal traits.
Unique personal habits or actions
An unusual response specific to an individual
A distinctive personal approach
A unique personal understanding
•IDIOSYNCRATIC contains the valuable Y tile (worth 4 points) and two C tiles (worth 3 points each)
•The word shares the suffix "-cratic" with words like "democratic" and "aristocratic," all relating to forms of rule or characteristics
•In medical terminology, an "idiosyncratic reaction" refers to an unusual drug response that cannot be explained by known mechanisms
•Famous idiosyncratic figures include Salvador Dalí with his surrealist art and Einstein with his unconventional thinking methods
"Her idiosyncratic approach to problem-solving often led to innovative solutions that others hadn't considered."
"The restaurant's idiosyncratic decor, featuring vintage typewriters and hanging umbrellas, made it instantly memorable."
Adverb Form
idiosyncratically
She idiosyncratically organized her books by color rather than author.
Noun Form
idiosyncrasy
His idiosyncrasy of wearing mismatched socks became his trademark.
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 21 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 5 | Consonants: 8
Used to describe unique personality traits and behaviors that distinguish individuals from general patterns.
Refers to unusual drug reactions specific to individuals, not explained by known pharmacological mechanisms.
Celebrates unique artistic voices and unconventional creative approaches that define individual artists.
Describes unique user behaviors or system quirks that deviate from standard patterns.
Using it as a synonym for "weird"
It specifically means individually distinctive, not just strange
Confusing with "democratic"
Despite similar endings, meanings are completely different
Pronunciation as "idio-sin-cratic"
Correct: id-ee-oh-sin-KRAT-ik
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