The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

uncanny

IPA:

Dictionary definition of uncanny

Strange, mysterious, or unsettling in a way that is difficult to explain.
"The uncanny timing of his arrival made her suspicious."

Detailed meaning of uncanny

It can be used to describe a feeling of unease or discomfort that arises when something seems familiar yet strange at the same time. For example, a person may feel uncanny sensations when visiting a place that they have never been to before, but that seems eerily familiar. The word "uncanny" can also be used to describe something that is beyond what is considered normal or natural, such as an uncanny ability to predict the future or an uncanny resemblance between two unrelated individuals. When something is described as uncanny, it suggests a sense of mystery and intrigue, but also a feeling of unease or discomfort. The word is often used in literature and art to create a sense of tension or suspense and is associated with the supernatural or paranormal.

Example sentences containing uncanny

1. Her uncanny ability to predict future events often left people in awe.
2. The resemblance between the twins was uncanny, making it difficult to tell them apart.
3. The movie's special effects created an uncanny realism that was both impressive and eerie.
4. His uncanny memory allowed him to recall even the smallest details of past conversations.
5. The uncanny coincidence of running into an old friend in a foreign city amazed them.
6. The psychic's uncanny insights into people's lives left the audience stunned.

History and etymology of uncanny

The adjective 'uncanny' has its etymological roots in Old English. It is a combination of 'un,' meaning 'not,' and 'canny,' which originally meant 'knowing' or 'skilled.' Therefore, 'uncanny' originally meant 'not knowing' or 'ignorant.' Over time, its meaning evolved to describe something as strange, mysterious, or unsettling in a way that is difficult to explain. 'Uncanny' implies a sense of eeriness or discomfort, often arising from the inexplicable or the unfamiliar. It suggests that the subject possesses a quality that is beyond the ordinary or the expected, creating a sense of unease or wonder. 'Uncanny' is commonly used to describe situations or occurrences that seem strangely familiar yet profoundly unsettling, blurring the boundaries between what is known and what remains a mystery.

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Further usage examples of uncanny

1. The uncanny silence that fell over the forest was unsettling and foreboding.
2. The artist's uncanny knack for capturing emotions on canvas made her work stand out.
3. The uncanny way the dog sensed his owner's moods demonstrated their strong bond.
4. The detective's uncanny deduction skills led him to solve even the most perplexing cases.
5. The uncanny timing of the rain stopping just as the outdoor event began seemed almost magical.
6. The uncanny resemblance of the old house to the one in her childhood memories was eerie.
7. The scientist's uncanny ability to predict natural disasters saved countless lives.
8. The uncanny parallel between the book's plot and recent world events was astonishing.
9. The uncanny quietness of the abandoned amusement park sent shivers down their spines.
10. The uncanny way the stray cat followed her home made her feel like they had a connection.
11. The uncanny accuracy of the fortune teller's predictions left people questioning the supernatural.
12. The uncanny glow of the moonlit night gave the landscape an otherworldly feel.
13. The uncanny timing of the car's breakdown in front of a mechanic's shop was fortunate.
14. The uncanny growth rate of the plant surprised even the experienced gardener.