peculiar

adjective peh-koo-LYAHR Rare

Origin: From Latin peculiaris (of one's own property, characteristic).

Also means

particular

Usage Note

Peculiar in Spanish more commonly means 'characteristic' or 'distinctive' (tiene un sabor peculiar = it has a distinctive flavour) rather than the English connotation of 'odd'. Using it to mean 'weird' is not wrong, but is secondary; raro or extraño carry that meaning more strongly. It is therefore a partial false friend worth flagging.

Examples

"Tiene un estilo peculiar muy reconocible."

Natural Translation

She has a very recognisable peculiar style.

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