Describing Uniqueness: English Vocabulary List

unusual in a way that stands out as different from the expected or typical

"His behavior is odd."

"It was odd that he did not show up for the meeting because he is usually very punctual and reliable about such things."

having unusual, unexpected, or confusing qualities

"The noise is strange."

"She heard a strange noise coming from the basement but when she went to check nothing was there at all."

strange in a way that is difficult to understand

"The movie was weird."

"The movie was really weird and none of my friends could understand what the director was trying to say with it."

not commonly happening or done

"The weather is unusual."

"It is unusual for it to snow in this region during spring so everyone was surprised when the white flakes started falling."

not like another thing or person in form, quality, nature, etc.

"Your idea is different."

"His approach to solving the problem was completely different from what the teacher had taught us in class last week."

contrary to what is accepted as normal

"The silence is unnatural."

"The silence in the forest felt unnatural because there were no birds singing or insects making their usual sounds at all."

not explored or known about

"The place is unfamiliar."

"She felt nervous about traveling to an unfamiliar country where she did not speak the language or know the customs."

referring to a single item or entity

"He has a singular focus."

"The scientist made a singular discovery that changed the way we understand the universe and our place within it forever."

different or better than what is normal

"Today is a special day."

"Today is a special day because my brother is coming home after being abroad for two years and we missed him."

different from what is usual or expected

"The test result is abnormal."

"The test results showed abnormal levels of cholesterol in his blood so the doctor advised him to change his diet immediately."

unlike anything else and distinguished by individuality

"Her style is unique."

"Every snowflake has a unique shape and no two are exactly alike because of the way they form in the clouds."

significantly better or greater than what is typical or expected

"His talent is exceptional."

"She has exceptional talent as a musician and she started playing the piano at the age of only three years old."

not happening or found often

"This bird is uncommon."

"It is uncommon for someone so young to have such a deep understanding of complex mathematical concepts and theories about the universe."

not conforming to established rules, patterns, or norms

"His heartbeat is irregular."

"His heartbeat was irregular so the doctor sent him to a specialist for further tests and a thorough examination of his heart."

not unusual or different in any way

"It was an ordinary day."

"It was just an ordinary day at work until the fire alarm went off and everyone had to evacuate the building quickly."

commonly recognized, done, used, etc.

"This is standard procedure."

"The standard size for a shipping container is twenty feet long and eight feet wide all around the world."

taking place each day

"These are my everyday shoes."

"These are my everyday shoes that I wear to work but I have nicer ones for special occasions like weddings."

conforming to what is generally anticipated or considered typical

"He arrived at the usual time."

"He arrived at the usual time but the meeting had already started early so he missed the first ten minutes completely."

conforming to a standard or expected condition

"Her temperature is normal."

"It is normal to feel nervous before a big exam but try to stay calm and do your best anyway."

regular and without any exceptional features

"This is a common sight."

"It is common for children to be afraid of the dark so parents use night lights to help them sleep peacefully."

(of ideas, opinions, etc.) considered reasonable or agreed by most people

"This is an accepted theory."

"It is an accepted fact that smoking cigarettes is harmful to your health and can cause serious diseases like cancer."