Definitions
- Describing something that is not typical or usual. - Referring to something that deviates from the norm or expected behavior. - Talking about something that is uncommon or out of the ordinary.
- Describing something that is not common or ordinary. - Referring to something that is different or out of the ordinary. - Talking about something that is rare or unexpected.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe things that are not typical or ordinary.
- 2Both words suggest something that is out of the ordinary or deviates from the norm.
- 3Both words can be used to describe rare or unexpected occurrences.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Atypical is often used to describe something that is not typical or expected within a specific context or category, while unusual can be used more broadly to describe anything that is not common or ordinary.
- 2Degree: Atypical suggests a greater deviation from the norm compared to unusual, which may imply a lesser degree of rarity or difference.
- 3Connotation: Atypical can sometimes carry a neutral or even positive connotation, suggesting uniqueness or innovation, while unusual can have a more neutral or slightly negative connotation, implying something that is not normal or expected.
- 4Frequency: Unusual is more commonly used than atypical in everyday language.
- 5Formality: Both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but atypical may be perceived as slightly more formal or technical.
Remember this!
Atypical and unusual are synonyms that describe things that are not typical or ordinary. However, there are some differences between them. Atypical is often used to describe something that deviates from the norm within a specific context, while unusual can be used more broadly to describe anything that is not common or ordinary. Atypical suggests a greater deviation from the norm and can sometimes carry a positive connotation, while unusual implies something that is not normal or expected.
