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bizarre

Bizarre (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/bɪˈzɑr/

What does bizarre mean?

Extremely unusual, strange, or unconventional in a way that deviates from normal or expected behavior, appearance, or circumstances.
"The movie had a bizarre plot twist that left the audience perplexed."

Detailed Meaning of Bizarre

When something is described as bizarre, it often elicits a sense of surprise, curiosity, or even disbelief. Bizarre events, actions, or objects can be characterized by their eccentricity, peculiarity, or surreal qualities that defy conventional understanding or logic. The term "bizarre" is often employed to describe situations or phenomena that are so extraordinary or outlandish that they stand out prominently from the ordinary or expected. It is a word that evokes a sense of fascination, intrigue, or unease, as it highlights the departure from what is considered normal or rational.

Example Sentences for Bizarre

1. The magician performed a bizarre trick that involved pulling a live rabbit out of a hat.
2. The abandoned house had a bizarre assortment of mismatched furniture and decorations.
3. I stumbled upon a bizarre sculpture made entirely of recycled soda cans.
4. She wore a bizarre outfit consisting of mismatched patterns and vibrant colors.
5. The scientist conducted a series of bizarre experiments involving plants and electricity.
6. We encountered a bizarre creature in the deep sea with bioluminescent tentacles.

Origin and Etymology of Bizarre

The adjective 'bizarre' has an intriguing etymology that reflects its meaning of extreme unusualness and peculiarity. It originates from the Basque word 'bizar,' which meant 'beard.' In the 17th century, during the reign of King Louis XIII of France, members of his royal guard, known as the 'Mousquetaires de la Garde,' were required to have elaborately styled beards. These beards were so distinctive and unconventional that they became a symbol of the guards' peculiar appearance. As a result, the term 'bizarre' was borrowed from the Basque word 'bizar' and began to be used to describe anything that was conspicuously strange or unconventional, much like the appearance of the king's guards. Thus, the etymology of 'bizarre' illustrates how a word can evolve from a specific reference to facial hair into a broader descriptor of extreme peculiarity or unconventional behavior, appearance, or circumstances.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective bizarre:

ordinary

normal

usual

strange

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Bizarre

1. The artist's paintings were filled with bizarre and surreal imagery.
2. The hotel we stayed in had a bizarre theme, with rooms designed like outer space.
3. He told a bizarre story about encountering aliens during his camping trip.
4. The bizarre weather patterns resulted in snowfall in the middle of summer.
5. The eccentric professor had a bizarre collection of antique toys in his office.
6. The bizarre sculpture left everyone puzzled at the art exhibit.
7. Their bizarre customs fascinated anthropologists for years.
8. A bizarre coincidence brought them together on that fateful day.
9. The bizarre twist in the plot left readers in shock.
10. Her bizarre fashion choices always turned heads on the street.
11. The bizarre phenomena defied scientific explanation.
12. He had a bizarre habit of collecting vintage typewriters.
13. The bizarre sight of a dancing bear entertained the crowd.
14. The bizarre theory challenged established scientific beliefs.
15. A bizarre noise in the night made them uneasy.
16. The bizarre weather patterns disrupted their vacation plans.
17. The bizarre character in the novel was both endearing and strange.
18. The bizarre discovery in the attic was a hidden treasure.
19. The bizarre behavior of the cat puzzled its owner.
20. The bizarre mixture of flavors in the dish was surprisingly delicious.
21. His bizarre dreams often left him feeling disoriented.
22. The bizarre sequence of events led to an unexpected outcome.
23. The bizarre arrangement of colors created an abstract masterpiece.
24. The bizarre ritual was an integral part of their culture.
25. The bizarre sensation of weightlessness in space was awe-inspiring.