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GRE vocabulary

idiosyncrasy

nounHigh-frequency wordMore I words

a peculiar habit or feature distinctive to an individual

Word origin: From Greek idios, own or personal, plus synkrasis, mixture.

In a sentence

Idiosyncrasy in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing idiosyncrasy in a sentence.

Tapping his pen three times before speaking was one of his harmless idiosyncrasies.

Among his idiosyncrasies was a refusal to begin writing until every pencil on the desk was sharpened.

Synonyms
quirkeccentricitypeculiaritymannerism
Antonyms
normalityconformity
Usage & nuance

Using “idiosyncrasy” well

An idiosyncrasy is a peculiar habit or trait distinctive to one individual. It is neutral to mildly affectionate, describing a personal quirk rather than a flaw.

Keep going

More GRE words starting with I

iconoclast

a person who attacks cherished beliefs or established institutions

iconoclastic

attacking or undermining traditional beliefs and institutions

idealistic

guided by ideals rather than by practical considerations

idolatrous

excessively or blindly devoted to something or someone

idolatry

extreme admiration or worship of someone or something, often to an excessive degree

idolize

to admire or revere someone to an excessive degree

idyllic

charmingly peaceful and free of trouble

ignoble

lacking nobility of character; dishonorable

Common questions

Questions about “idiosyncrasy”

Idiosyncrasy (noun) means a peculiar habit or feature distinctive to an individual
Here is idiosyncrasy used in an example sentence: "Tapping his pen three times before speaking was one of his harmless idiosyncrasies." Another example: "Among his idiosyncrasies was a refusal to begin writing until every pencil on the desk was sharpened."
Common synonyms for idiosyncrasy include quirk, eccentricity, peculiarity, mannerism.
Antonyms of idiosyncrasy include normality, conformity.
Clusters with quirk, eccentricity, and mannerism, opposed by normality and conformity. The GRE tests the sense of an individual peculiarity, distinct from a widely shared trait.
Yes. Idiosyncrasy is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

Learn words the way the GRE tests them.

Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.

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