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Unusual: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1:different from normal (unusual)

unusual 🔊
/ʌnˈjuːʒuəl/
adj.
Different from what is normal or common.
Unusual blue and red squirrel on a park bench, showing different from normal
different from normal 🔊
/ˈdɪfərənt frəm ˈnɔːrməl/
adj.
Describes something that deviates from what is standard, typical, or expected; often neutral or slightly negative.
📁 Category:Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level:Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Latin 'in-' (not) + 'usualis' (common), via Old French 'inusuel'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'un' (not) + 'usual' = something that is 'not usual' - like a purple penguin.
📖 Example
We saw an unusual squirrel with colorful fur by the roadside. 🔊 We saw a squirrel with colorful fur by the roadside, which was different from normal.
🔗 Collocations
unusual circumstance – A situation that is not typical or ordinary
unusual behavior – Actions that deviate from common patterns
unusual pattern – A design or sequence that is not standard
🔄 Synonyms
abnormal (adj.) – Deviation from a norm or standard, often implying something wrong
atypical (adj.) – Not representative of a type or group; unusual in a statistical sense
odd (adj.) – Strange or unexpected, often with a slightly negative nuance
🚫 Antonyms
normal (adj.) – Conforming to a standard; typical
common (adj.) – Occurring frequently; widely encountered
ordinary (adj.) – With no special or distinctive features; average
🌱 Derivatives
unusually (adv.) – In a way that is not normal or common
unusualness (n.) – The quality of being unusual
unusualness (n.) – The state of being exceptional
📖 Cultural Story
First recorded in English around 1580s. Often used in modern contexts to describe anomalies in science, fashion, or behavior without negative connotation.

Meaning 2:exceptionally special (unusual)

unusual 🔊
/ʌnˈjuːʒuəl/
adj.
Interesting, special, or exciting because it is different in a good way.
Unusual flowing metal sculpture in a modern gallery, exceptionally special design
exceptionally special 🔊
/ɪkˈsepʃənəli ˈspeʃəl/
adj.
Describes something that is interesting or exciting because it stands out in a positive way; carries a sense of admiration or curiosity.
📁 Category:Fashion Trends 🔖 Level:Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example
She found a beautiful stone with an unusual pattern during her hike. 🔊 She found a beautiful stone with a pattern that was exceptionally special during her hike.
🔗 Collocations
unusual charm – A distinctive attractiveness that sets something apart
unusual talent – A rare and remarkable ability
unusual design – A creative and non-traditional layout or aesthetic
🔄 Synonyms
remarkable (adj.) – Worthy of attention; extraordinary
exceptional (adj.) – Unusually good; outstanding
distinctive (adj.) – Characteristic of one person or thing; different in a pleasing way
🚫 Antonyms
ordinary (adj.) – Not special; commonplace
commonplace (adj.) – Very ordinary; not surprising
mundane (adj.) – Lacking interest or excitement; dull
🌱 Derivatives
unusually (adv.) – In a remarkably special way
unusualness (n.) – The quality of being exceptional and interesting
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