Particular vs. Peculiar: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Particular refers to something specific or detailed. Peculiar means unusual or unique in a strange way.
Key Differences
Particular emphasizes specificity and attention to details, often implying a focus on a specific aspect or feature of a larger entity. It suggests selectivity and precision. Peculiar, on the other hand, conveys a sense of strangeness or uniqueness, often implying something is unusual or different from the norm. It can carry a connotation of oddity or eccentricity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
In usage, particular often precedes nouns to denote a special interest in or attention to the details of that noun. It can also mean fussy or demanding about details. Peculiar is used to describe things that stand out because of their oddness or distinctiveness, often causing surprise or puzzlement.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Particular can also function as a noun, referring to a detail or an individual characteristic. It implies a focus on individual elements within a broader context. In contrast, peculiar does not have a noun form and is used exclusively as an adjective to describe the unusual or distinctive characteristics of something.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
The origins of these words also reflect their meanings. Particular comes from the Latin ‘particularis’, meaning individual or specific. Peculiar stems from the Latin ‘peculiare’, which relates to private property, thereby carrying a sense of something being uniquely one’s own or distinctively characteristic.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
While particular is often used in positive or neutral contexts to imply thoroughness or detailed focus, peculiar can have a neutral, positive, or negative connotation depending on the context, ranging from pleasantly unique to uncomfortably strange.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage Context
Often positive or neutral
Can be neutral, positive, or negative
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Nov 18, 2023
Etymology
From Latin ‘particularis’ (specific)
From Latin ‘peculiare’ (unique, private property)
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
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Particular and Peculiar Definitions
Particular
Specific or Detailed
He was very particular about the colors he used in his painting.
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Nov 18, 2023
Peculiar
Unusual or Strange
The peculiar smell in the room was hard to identify.
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Nov 18, 2023
Particular
Demanding or Fussy
She is particular about her coffee, preferring it with a hint of cinnamon.
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Nov 18, 2023
Peculiar
Characteristic of Only One Person, Group, or Thing
This technique is peculiar to traditional Japanese painting.
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Particular
As a Noun (Detail)
The lawyer focused on the particulars of the contract.
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Nov 18, 2023
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Peculiar
Odd or Bizarre
The peculiar behavior of the birds alarmed the researchers.
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Nov 18, 2023
Particular
Exceptional or Special
This particular model of the car has advanced features.
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Nov 18, 2023
Peculiar
Not ordinary or usual; odd or strange
Noticed a peculiar odor in the room.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Of, belonging to, or associated with a specific person, group, thing, or category; not general or universal
She did not have a particular café in mind for their get-together.
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Belonging distinctively or primarily to one person, group, or kind; special or unique
A species peculiar to the high desert.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Distinctive among others of the same group, category, or nature; noteworthy or exceptional
An area known for its particular style of architecture.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Of, relating to, or providing details; precise
Gave a particular description of the incident.
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Chiefly British A church or parish under the jurisdiction of a diocese different from that in which it lies.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Attentive to or concerned with details or niceties, often excessively so; fussy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Out of the ordinary; odd; strange; unusual.
The sky had a peculiar appearance before the storm.
It would be rather peculiar to see a kangaroo hopping down a city street.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
(Logic) Encompassing some but not all of the members of a class or group. Used of a proposition.
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Common or usual for a certain place or circumstance; specific or particular.
Kangaroos are peculiar to Australia.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
An individual item, fact, or detail
The two schools are similar in every particular. The police refused to divulge the particulars of the case.
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
(dated) One's own; belonging solely or especially to an individual; not shared or possessed by others.
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
That which is peculiar; a sole or exclusive property; a prerogative; a characteristic.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Specific; discrete; concrete.
I couldn't find the particular model you asked for, but I hope this one will do.
We knew it was named after John Smith, but nobody knows which particular John Smith.
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
An ecclesiastical district, parish, chapel or church outside the jurisdiction of the bishop of the diocese in which it is situated.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Specialised; characteristic of a specific person or thing.
I don't appreciate your particular brand of cynicism.
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
One's own; belonging solely or especially to an individual; not possessed by others; of private, personal, or characteristic possession and use; not owned in common or in participation.
And purify unto himself a peculiar people.
Hymns . . . that Christianity hath peculiar unto itself.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
(obsolete) Known only to an individual person or group; confidential.
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Particular; individual; special; appropriate.
While each peculiar power forgoes his wonted seat.
My fate is Juno's most peculiar care.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Distinguished in some way; special (often in negative constructions).
My five favorite places are, in no particular order, New York, Chicago, Paris, San Francisco and London.
I didn't have any particular interest in the book.
He brought no particular news.
She was the particular belle of the party.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Unusual; singular; rare; strange; as, the sky had a peculiar appearance.
Beauty, which, either walking or asleep,Shot forth peculiar graces.
For naught so vile that on the earth doth live,But to the earth some special good doth give.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
(comparable) Of a person, concerned with, or attentive to, details; fastidious.
He is very particular about his food and if it isn't cooked to perfection he will send it back.
These women are more particular about their appearance.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
That which is peculiar; a sole or exclusive property; a prerogative; a characteristic.
Revenge is . . . the peculiar of Heaven.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Concerned with, or attentive to, details; minute; circumstantial; precise.
A full and particular account of an accident
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
A particular parish or church which is exempt from the jurisdiction of the ordinary.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
(law) Containing a part only; limited.
A particular estate, or one precedent to an estate in remainder
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Beyond or deviating from the usual or expected;
A curious hybrid accent
Her speech has a funny twang
They have some funny ideas about war
Had an odd name
The peculiar aromatic odor of cloves
Something definitely queer about this town
What a rum fellow
Singular behavior
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Unique or specific to a person or thing or category;
The particular demands of the job
Has a paraticular preference for Chinese art
A peculiar bond of sympathy between them
An expression peculiar to Canadians
Rights peculiar to the rich
The special features of a computer
My own special chair
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
(logic) Forming a part of a genus; relatively limited in extension; affirmed or denied of a part of a subject.
A particular proposition, opposed to "universal", e.g. (particular affirmative) "Some men are wise"; (particular negative) "Some men are not wise".
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Markedly different from the usual;
A peculiar hobby of stuffing and mounting bats
A man...feels it a peculiar insult to be taunted with cowardice by a woman
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Characteristic of one only; distinctive or special;
The peculiar character of the Government of the U.S.
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Distinctive or Unique
His style of writing is peculiar to him alone.
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Nov 18, 2023
Particular
A particular case; an individual thing as opposed to a whole class. (Opposed to generals, universals.)
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Oct 19, 2023
Peculiar
Belonging Exclusively to
The peculiar charm of the town attracted many visitors.
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Nov 18, 2023
Particular
Relating to a part or portion of anything; concerning a part separated from the whole or from others of the class; separate; sole; single; individual; specific; as, the particular stars of a constellation.
[Make] each particular hair to stand an end,Like quills upon the fretful porpentine.
Seken in every halk and every herneParticular sciences for to lerne.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Of or pertaining to a single person, class, or thing; belonging to one only; not general; not common; hence, personal; peculiar; singular.
Wheresoever one plant draweth such a particular juice out of the earth.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Separate or distinct by reason of superiority; distinguished; important; noteworthy; unusual; special; as, he brought no particular news; she was the particular belle of the party.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Concerned with, or attentive to, details; minute; circumstantial; precise; as, a full and particular account of an accident; hence, nice; fastidious; as, a man particular in his dress.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Containing a part only; limited; as, a particular estate, or one precedent to an estate in remainder.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Forming a part of a genus; relatively limited in extension; affirmed or denied of a part of a subject; as, a particular proposition; - opposed to universal: e. g. (particular affirmative) Some men are wise; (particular negative) Some men are not wise.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
A separate or distinct member of a class, or part of a whole; an individual fact, point, circumstance, detail, or item, which may be considered separately; as, the particulars of a story.
Particulars which it is not lawful for me to reveal.
It is the greatest interest of particulars to advance the good of the community.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Special or personal peculiarity, trait, or character; individuality; interest, etc.
For his particular I'll receive him gladly.
If the particulars of each person be considered.
Temporal blessings, whether such as concern the public . . . or such as concern our particular.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
One of the details or items of grounds of claim; - usually in the pl.; also, a bill of particulars; a minute account; as, a particular of premises.
The reader has a particular of the books wherein this law was written.
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
A fact about some part (as opposed to general);
He always reasons from the particular to the general
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
A small part that can be considered separately from the whole;
It was perfect in all details
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Unique or specific to a person or thing or category;
The particular demands of the job
Has a paraticular preference for Chinese art
A peculiar bond of sympathy between them
An expression peculiar to Canadians
Rights peculiar to the rich
The special features of a computer
My own special chair
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Separate and distinct from others;
An exception in this particular case
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Separate and distinct from others of the same group or category;
Interested in one particular artist
A man who wishes to make a particular woman fall in love with him
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Surpassing what is common or usual or expected;
He paid especial attention to her
Exceptional kindness
A matter of particular and unusual importance
A special occasion
A special reason to confide in her
What's so special about the year 2000?
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
First and most important;
His special interest is music
She gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Exacting especially about details;
A finicky eater
Fussy about clothes
Very particular about how her food was prepared
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Providing specific details or circumstances;
A particular description of the room
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Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Distinct or Separate
In this case, the particular issue at hand is not related to the overall project.
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Nov 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is 'particular' always used in a positive context?
No, 'particular' can be neutral or imply fussiness or excessive detail-orientedness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can 'peculiar' have a positive meaning?
Yes, it can indicate uniqueness or distinctiveness in a positive way.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Does 'peculiar' always mean something negative?
No, it can be neutral or positive, depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is 'peculiar' a common word in English?
It's relatively common and understood by most English speakers.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Are 'particular' and 'peculiar' interchangeable?
No, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is 'particular' used more in formal or informal language?
It can be used in both, but is more common in formal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can 'peculiar' refer to people?
Yes, it can describe someone's unusual characteristics.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can 'particular' function as a noun?
Yes, it can refer to a specific detail or element.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is there a noun form of 'peculiar'?
No, 'peculiar' is only used as an adjective.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What are synonyms for 'peculiar'?
Synonyms include 'unusual', 'odd', 'distinctive'.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is the noun form of 'particular'?
'Particular' itself can be a noun, referring to a specific detail.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can 'particular' describe a general situation?
No, it's used to refer to specific cases or details.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How should I choose between 'particular' and 'peculiar'?
Use 'particular' for specificity and detail, 'peculiar' for uniqueness or oddity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How do I use 'particular' in a sentence?
Use it to emphasize specificity, e.g., "She had particular requirements for the job."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is an example of 'peculiar' in a sentence?
"The artist had a peculiar way of blending colors."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can 'particular' imply negativity?
Yes, when it suggests someone is overly fussy or demanding.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Are there synonyms for 'particular'?
Yes, such as 'specific', 'detailed', or 'selective'.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is 'peculiar' used to describe general traits?
No, it describes traits that are unusual or specific to someone or something.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can 'peculiar' describe a positive uniqueness?
Yes, it can imply a charming or interesting uniqueness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How does 'particular' relate to 'detail'?
'Particular' often refers to a specific detail within a larger context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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