od
Odd means different from what is usual or expected; strange or peculiar. It also refers to numbers not divisible by two (1, 3, 5, 7, etc.). As a versatile word, it can describe anything from unusual behavior to mathematical properties.
5
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
💡 Pro Tip:
ODD features two D tiles worth 2 points each. Its short length makes it perfect for tight spaces and parallel plays. The double D can create interesting scoring opportunities!
The word "odd" is a linguistic chameleon with multiple distinct meanings that have evolved over centuries. At its core, odd describes something that deviates from the normal, expected, or usual pattern. This deviation can manifest as strangeness, peculiarity, or simply being different from the crowd.
In mathematics, odd has a precise definition: any integer that cannot be divided evenly by two. This includes numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and so on. The mathematical concept of oddness is fundamental to number theory and appears in countless mathematical proofs and applications. When divided by 2, odd numbers always leave a remainder of 1.
Beyond mathematics, odd serves as a versatile descriptor for anything unusual, strange, or out of place. An odd smell might be unexpected or unpleasant; odd behavior could be quirky or concerning; an odd coincidence might seem too strange to be random. This flexibility makes "odd" one of English's most useful adjectives for expressing mild bewilderment or noting something that doesn't quite fit.
The word also appears in phrases describing incomplete sets or unpaired items. "Odd socks" are those without their matching pair; "odd jobs" are miscellaneous tasks that don't fit into regular categories; an "odd one out" is something that doesn't belong with the others. This usage stems from the idea of something left over when others are paired or grouped.
The word "odd" has a fascinating Norse origin, coming from the Old Norse "oddi," which meant "point of a triangle" or "third or additional number." This geometric origin explains both its mathematical meaning (a third point makes an odd number) and its sense of something that stands out or doesn't fit evenly.
Historical progression:
The mathematical sense came first, referring to numbers that couldn't be evenly paired. The "strange" meaning evolved from the idea of something left over or not fitting in - like the third point of a triangle or an unpaired item. This semantic shift from "unpaired" to "unusual" occurred gradually during the Middle English period.
Interestingly, the Norse word "oddi" is also related to the name "Odd," still common in Scandinavian countries, originally meaning "point of a spear" and symbolizing strength and sharpness.
Words with similar meaning
For "strange/unusual":
Strange
Unusual or surprising
Peculiar
Strange or odd in an interesting way
Bizarre
Very strange or unusual
Quirky
Characterized by peculiar traits
For mathematical odd:
Uneven
Not divisible by two
Words with opposite meaning
For "strange/unusual":
Normal
Conforming to a standard; usual
Regular
Arranged in a constant pattern
Ordinary
With no special features; normal
Common
Occurring frequently; usual
For mathematical odd:
Even
Divisible by two without remainder
Adverb Form
oddly
She was oddly quiet during dinner.
Noun Form
oddness / oddity
The oddness of the situation was apparent.
Comparative
odder
This is even odder than before.
Superlative
oddest
That's the oddest thing I've seen.
Related Words
Person or thing that doesn't fit
Two people who seem incompatible
Various small tasks
Mismatched socks
If you can't play ODD, consider:
Extensions:
"There was something odd about the way he kept glancing at the door."
"It's odd that she didn't call - she always lets us know when she'll be late."
"The odd thing is, I remember locking the door, but it was open when I returned."
"All prime numbers except 2 are odd numbers."
"The sum of two odd numbers always gives an even number."
"Players take turns on odd-numbered days of the month."
"I do odd jobs around the neighborhood to earn extra money."
"We've been friends for twenty-odd years now."
"She has the odd glass of wine, but rarely drinks otherwise."
Total base points: 5 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 1 | Consonants: 2
Unique feature: Double D (relatively rare)
The double D makes this word slightly more valuable than other common 3-letter words
No valid 3-letter anagrams exist
Can be extended to:
Can form from:
Odd numbers have unique mathematical properties that make them fundamental to number theory:
The concept of odd extends beyond decimal:
Odd numbers have held special significance across cultures:
Use adjective, not adverb, in exclamations
No preposition needed
Use proper noun form
Zero is even, not odd
0 ÷ 2 = 0 (no remainder)
Negative numbers can be odd
-1, -3, -5 are odd numbers
"Odd one out" vs. math meaning
Context determines interpretation
EVEN
Mathematical opposite
ADD
Similar letters
GOD
Rhyming word
ODDS
Plural form
ODDITY
Related noun
NOD
Anagram
Practice unscrambling letters to find more valuable words like ODD