Idiosyncrasy

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˌɪd.i.əʊˈsɪŋ.krÉ™.si/
• IPA: /ˌɪdi.əˈsɪŋkɹəsi/

Origin

First attested in 1604, in modern sense since 1665, from Old French idiosyncrasie, from Ancient Greek ἰδιοσυγκρασία (idiosunkrasia, "one’s own temperament"), from ἴδιος (idios, "one’s own") + σύν (sun, "together") + κρᾶσις (krasis, "temperament").

Full definition of idiosyncrasy

Noun

1. A behavior or way of thinking that is characteristic of a person.
2. A language or behaviour that is particular to an individual or group.
3. (medicine) A peculiar individual reaction to a generally innocuous substance or factor.
4. A peculiarity that serves to distinguish or identify.He mastered the idiosyncrasies of English spelling.

Synonyms

Derived terms