What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distinctiveness
Example
The distinctiveness of her voice made her stand out in the crowd. [distinctiveness: noun]
Example
The distinctiveness of the building's architecture made it a popular tourist attraction. [distinctiveness: noun]
peculiarity
Example
The peculiarity of his behavior made people uncomfortable. [peculiarity: noun]
Example
The painting's peculiarity made it a controversial piece of art. [peculiarity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distinctiveness is more commonly used than peculiarity in everyday language. Distinctiveness is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while peculiarity is more informal and often used to describe odd or unusual traits.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distinctiveness and peculiarity?
Distinctiveness is typically associated with a formal tone and is commonly used in academic or professional settings. Peculiarity, on the other hand, is more informal and is often used in casual conversations or creative writing.