Definition of IDIOSYNCRASY

idiosyncrasy

Plural: idiosyncrasies

Noun

  • a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
  • A behavior or way of thinking that is characteristic of a person.
  • A language or behaviour that is particular to an individual or group.
  • A peculiar individual reaction to a generally innocuous substance or factor.
  • A peculiarity that serves to distinguish or identify.

Examples

  • He mastered the idiosyncrasies of English spelling and speech.

Origin / Etymology

First attested in 1604, in modern sense since 1665, from Ancient Greek ἰδιοσυγκρασία (idiosunkrasía, “one’s own temperament”), from ἴδιος (ídios, “one’s own”) + σύν (sún, “together”) + κρᾶσις (krâsis, “temperament”). Analyzable as idio- + syn- + -crasy.

Scrabble Score: 21

idiosyncrasy: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
idiosyncrasy: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
idiosyncrasy: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 21

idiosyncrasy: valid Words With Friends Word