Is 'idiosyncrasy' formal or informal?

Is 'idiosyncrasy' formal or casual?

What's the difference between 'idiosyncrasy' and 'eccentricity'?

How is 'idiosyncrasy' different from 'eccentricity'?

Can 'idiosyncrasy' describe a group behavior?

Can 'idiosyncrasy' refer to a group?

Is 'idiosyncrasy' used in business or academic writing?

Is 'idiosyncrasy' common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

idiosyncrasy

/ˌɪdiəˈsɪŋkrəsi/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A distinctive habit or way of doing something that is typical of a person or group.

I love his quirky idiosyncrasy.
That is my personal idiosyncrasy.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'idiosyncrasy' suits a neutral, descriptive tone, while 'eccentricity' often implies oddity and 'quirk' sounds lighter and informal. Choose 'idiosyncrasy' for measured, precise descriptions of personal style.

In other languages

Spanish: Idiosincrasia, peculiaridad personal
Japanese: 個人的な癖
Korean: 특성, 버릇
Vietnamese: Đặc điểm riêng của mỗi người
Chinese: 个人特点，习惯

Etymology

The word comes from Greek, combining 'idios' (one's own) and 'synhollein' (to bring together), pointing to a unique personal trait.

Common phrases

a personal idiosyncrasyan idiosyncrasy of styleby idiosyncrasy

Synonyms

habit trait mannerism quirk custom

Related words

habit eccentricity trait quirk custom

Frequently asked questions

Is 'idiosyncrasy' formal or informal?: Is 'idiosyncrasy' formal or casual?
What's the difference between 'idiosyncrasy' and 'eccentricity'?: How is 'idiosyncrasy' different from 'eccentricity'?
Can 'idiosyncrasy' describe a group behavior?: Can 'idiosyncrasy' refer to a group?
Is 'idiosyncrasy' used in business or academic writing?: Is 'idiosyncrasy' common in academic writing?