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unusual

Unusual (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ʌnˈyu ʒu əl/

What does unusual mean?

Deviating from the norm or what is commonly expected or seen.
"His unusual fashion sense always made him stand out in a crowd."

Detailed Meaning of Unusual

It describes something that is not typical, ordinary, or conventional. When something is unusual, it stands out due to its rarity, peculiarity, or distinctive characteristics. It can refer to an uncommon occurrence, a unique trait, or a different approach that sets it apart from the usual patterns or standards. This adjective often implies a sense of surprise, novelty, or intrigue, as it catches attention and sparks curiosity. The term "unusual" encompasses a broad range of situations, objects, behaviors, or phenomena that deviate from the familiar or expected, adding a touch of intrigue or unpredictability to the experience.

Example Sentences for Unusual

1. The unusual smell coming from the kitchen made me curious about what was being cooked.
2. It was an unusual sight to see a giraffe roaming the streets of the city.
3. The magician performed a series of unusual tricks that left the audience in awe.
4. She had an unusual talent for solving complex mathematical problems in her head.
5. The painting had an unusual blend of colors that created a striking visual effect.
6. We took an unusual route to avoid the traffic jam and reached our destination faster.

Origin and Etymology of Unusual

The adjective 'unusual' can be deconstructed into its root word, 'usual.' In this term, the prefix 'un-' is used to negate or reverse the quality of being 'usual.' 'Usual' has its origins in the Latin word 'usualis,' derived from 'usus,' meaning 'use' or 'custom.' Over time, 'usual' evolved in the English language to describe something that conforms to common practice, habit, or custom, and is considered ordinary or typical. Consequently, 'unusual' signifies the opposite, denoting something that deviates from the norm or what is commonly expected or seen, often implying a sense of rarity, peculiarity, or uniqueness. Its etymology is deeply rooted in the historical development of 'usual' and the use of 'un-' to convey the absence of commonness or ordinariness.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective unusual:

uncommon

ordinary

typical

usual

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Unusual

1. The cat had an unusual habit of sleeping in the sink instead of its cozy bed.
2. The old bookstore had an unusual collection of rare and out-of-print books.
3. The team used an unusual strategy that caught their opponents off guard.
4. The circus performers showcased their unusual skills, like juggling flaming torches and walking on stilts.
5. The dog had an unusual bark that sounded more like a howl than a typical bark.
6. The unusual weather patterns puzzled meteorologists.
7. An unusual plant species thrived in the arid desert.
8. Her unusual talent for mimicry left the audience in awe.
9. The antique shop had an unusual collection of trinkets.
10. The unusual aroma in the kitchen hinted at exotic spices.
11. His unusual choice of attire always turned heads.
12. The unusual markings on the butterfly fascinated scientists.
13. Their unusual friendship spanned generations.
14. An unusual glow illuminated the night sky.
15. The unusual circumstances of the case baffled detectives.
16. She possessed an unusual ability to solve complex puzzles.
17. The unusual architecture of the building drew tourists.
18. The unusual behavior of the cat intrigued the owner.
19. An unusual combination of flavors danced on her palate.
20. The unusual sculpture in the park sparked debate.
21. His unusual sense of humor left everyone laughing.
22. The unusual pattern on the rug was a conversation starter.
23. An unusual artifact was discovered in the ancient tomb.
24. The unusual melody evoked a range of emotions.
25. The unusual phenomenon defied scientific explanation.