What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oddity
Example
The old antique shop was full of oddities and curiosities. [oddities: noun]
Example
He had an oddity in his speech that made him sound unique. [oddity: noun]
peculiarity
Example
Her peculiarities included always wearing mismatched socks. [peculiarities: noun]
Example
The peculiarity of the building's architecture made it stand out from the rest. [peculiarity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oddity is more commonly used than peculiarity in everyday language. Oddity is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while peculiarity is more specific and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oddity and peculiarity?
Peculiarity is generally considered more formal than oddity, which is more casual and colloquial. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
