What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idiosyncrasy
Example
One of his idiosyncrasies is that he always wears mismatched socks. [idiosyncrasy: noun]
Example
She has an idiosyncratic way of pronouncing certain words. [idiosyncratic: adjective]
quirk
Example
One of her quirks is that she always eats dessert before the main course. [quirk: noun]
Example
He has a quirky sense of humor that not everyone understands. [quirky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quirk is more commonly used than idiosyncrasy in everyday language. Quirk is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while idiosyncrasy is less common and tends to be used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between idiosyncrasy and quirk?
Idiosyncrasy is generally considered a more formal word than quirk, and is often used in academic or professional writing. Quirk is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
