What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
eccentricity
Example
The artist's eccentricity was reflected in his avant-garde paintings. [eccentricity: noun]
Example
She was known for her eccentricity and often surprised people with her unconventional ideas. [eccentricity: noun]
peculiarity
Example
One peculiarity of the old house was the secret room hidden behind a bookshelf. [peculiarity: noun]
Example
His peculiarities included always wearing mismatched socks and humming to himself while working. [peculiarities: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Peculiarity is more commonly used than eccentricity in everyday language. Peculiarity is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while eccentricity is less common and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between eccentricity and peculiarity?
Both eccentricity and peculiarity can be used in formal or informal contexts, but eccentricity may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.
