What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
peculiar
Example
The old house had a peculiar smell that lingered in the air. [peculiar: adjective]
Example
She has a peculiar way of speaking that sets her apart from others. [peculiar: adjective]
Example
It's peculiar that he didn't show up for the meeting, considering how important it was. [peculiar: adjective]
strange
Example
I had a strange dream last night that I couldn't quite make sense of. [strange: adjective]
Example
It's strange that he didn't say hello when he saw me, considering we're old friends. [strange: adjective]
Example
The abandoned house had a strange aura that made me feel uneasy. [strange: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strange is more commonly used than peculiar in everyday language. Strange is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while peculiar is less common and tends to be used in more formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between peculiar and strange?
Peculiar is typically associated with a more formal tone, while strange is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
