adj.
Pronunciation: ' str ā nj
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: strang · er ; strang · est
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French estrange, from Latin extraneus, literally, external, from extra outside ― more at EXTRA-
Date: 13th century
1 a archaic : of, relating to, or characteristic of another country : FOREIGN b : not native to or naturally belonging in a place : of external origin, kind, or character
2 a : not before known, heard, or seen : UNFAMILIAR b : exciting wonder or awe : EXTRAORDINARY
3 a : discouraging familiarities : RESERVED , DISTANT b : ILL AT EASE
4 : UNACCUSTOMED 2 <she was strange to his ways>
– strange · ly adverb
synonyms STRANGE , SINGULAR , UNIQUE , PECULIAR , ECCENTRIC , ERRATIC , ODD , QUAINT , OUTLANDISH mean departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected. STRANGE stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable <a journey filled with strange sights>. SINGULAR suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness <a singular feeling of impending disaster>. UNIQUE implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel <a career unique in the annals of science>. PECULIAR implies a marked distinctiveness <the peculiar status of America's first lady>. ECCENTRIC suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior <the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers>. ERRATIC stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating <a friend's suddenly erratic behavior>. ODD applies to a departure from the regular or expected <an odd sense of humor>. QUAINT suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness <a quaint fishing village>. OUTLANDISH applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric < outlandish fashions of the time>.