adjectiveadverb
eigenartig
peculiar
Definition & meaning
eigenartig is an adjective meaning strange, peculiar, unusual, or odd. It describes something that differs noticeably from what is normal or expected.
- Das ist ein eigenartiges Verhalten. — “That is strange behavior.”
- Sie hat eine eigenartige Stimme. — “She has a peculiar voice.”
Depending on context, eigenartig can also mean distinctive or characteristic, especially when describing something with a very particular quality. It is often mildly negative or expresses surprise, but it can be neutral.
Grammar & word origin
- Word type: adjective
- Inflected forms: eigenartige, eigenartiger, eigenartiges, etc.
- Comparative: eigenartiger
- Superlative: am eigenartigsten
The word is composed of:
- — “one’s own,” “particular,” or “distinctive”
- — “kind,” “type,” or “manner”
- — the suffix-like element meaning “having the nature or characteristics of”
Literally, eigenartig means “of its own particular kind.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- — “strange”; a common and broadly applicable synonym, often suggesting that something is unusual or difficult to understand.
- — “odd” or “remarkable”; can also mean “noteworthy,” so it is not always negative.
- — “peculiar” or “odd”; often stronger and more explicitly unusual than eigenartig.
- — “unusual”; more neutral and less emotionally colored.
- — “funny,” “odd,” or “strange”; depending on context, it may refer to humor or to something bizarre.
- — “special” or “particular”; usually more neutral and sometimes positive than eigenartig.
Antonyms
- — “ordinary” or “usual”; directly contrasts with the unusual quality of eigenartig.
- — “normal”; emphasizes conformity to what is expected.
- — “everyday” or “ordinary”; suggests familiarity and lack of peculiarity.
- — “familiar”; contrasts with the unfamiliar or strange impression that eigenartig can create.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Das Buch ist eigenartig geschrieben.adverb
The book is peculiarly written.
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