What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idiosyncrasy
Example
Her idiosyncrasy of always wearing mismatched socks made her stand out. [idiosyncrasy: noun]
Example
He had the idiosyncrasy of always tapping his foot when he was nervous. [idiosyncrasy: noun]
eccentricity
Example
His eccentricity of wearing a top hat and tails to work every day made him the talk of the town. [eccentricity: noun]
Example
She was known for her eccentricity of collecting antique teapots from around the world. [eccentricity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Idiosyncrasy is more commonly used in everyday language than eccentricity. Idiosyncrasy is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while eccentricity is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between idiosyncrasy and eccentricity?
Both idiosyncrasy and eccentricity are relatively formal words, but idiosyncrasy can be used in a wider range of formality levels than eccentricity.
