peculiar

[pʰə̥ˈkʰj̊uːljʊə]

Group 16Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
Strange or odd; unusual; belonging exclusively to
GRE

Example in Context

The region has a peculiar microclimate that supports species found nowhere else on the continent.

Synonyms

strangeoddunusual

Etymology

Belonging to one's own, implying something strange or unusual.

  • peculiaris (Latin) — of one's own
  • peculium (Latin) — private property

Memory Aid

🤥Sounds like “peek you liar

When I caught my friend in a lie, I said, 'PEEK, YOU LIAR, that's PECULIAR!'

Visual Association

🤪A quirky character wearing mismatched socks and dancing in public, drawing odd looks.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “peculiar” mean on the GRE?

peculiar (adjective) means “Strange or odd; unusual; belonging exclusively to”. The region has a peculiar microclimate that supports species found nowhere else on the continent.

How to remember “peculiar” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “peculiar” sounds like “peek you liar”. When I caught my friend in a lie, I said, 'PEEK, YOU LIAR, that's PECULIAR!'

What are synonyms for “peculiar”?

Common synonyms: strange, odd, unusual.