Bizarre
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Very strange or unusual, often in a way that is difficult to understand or explain.
- Markedly unconventional or out of the ordinary, often to the point of being surreal or eccentric.
- Not typical or normal, often deviating from expected patterns or norms.
History and Origin
The word bizarre comes from the French word bizarre, meaning “odd” or “strange.” It was adopted into English in the early 18th century, with its meaning remaining closely related to the original French sense of something unusual or out of the ordinary. The term is often used to describe things, events, or behaviors that defy conventional expectations. The word has its roots in the Italian bizzarro, which means “eccentric” or “angry,” originally used to describe a person with an unpredictable or erratic temperament. Over time, the meaning broadened to refer to any object or situation that is strangely unconventional.
Detailed Explanation
Bizarre refers to something that is highly unusual, strange, or out of the ordinary, often in a way that is startling, puzzling, or difficult to comprehend. This term is used to describe things, events, or ideas that stand out due to their oddity, whether due to their appearance, behavior, or nature. For example, an outfit that looks completely out of place in a formal setting or an event with unusual, surreal characteristics might be described as bizarre. The term can carry a neutral or negative connotation, depending on the context, but is often used to express astonishment or disbelief at the abnormality of something.
Example Sentences
- The artist’s bizarre painting left everyone in awe and confusion.
- She wore a bizarre costume that turned heads at the party.
- The movie had a bizarre plot that was difficult to follow.
- His bizarre behavior at the meeting raised many questions.
- The town’s bizarre tradition of wearing masks in the summer is a sight to behold.
- The bizarre appearance of the new building shocked the locals.
- They experienced a bizarre series of events during their vacation.
- The creature in the story was described as having a bizarre mix of features.
- The news report detailed a bizarre occurrence that had never been seen before.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Strange – Refers to something unfamiliar or not typical, similar to bizarre, but often less extreme.
- Eccentric – Describes a person or behavior that is unconventional or quirky, much like bizarre but often applied to individuals.
- Outlandish – Refers to something that is foreign or wildly unconventional, similar to bizarre, but often with a more extreme implication.
- Unusual – Refers to something that is not common or regular, similar to bizarre, but typically less startling.
- Surreal – Describes something dreamlike or beyond normal experience, often overlapping with the concept of bizarre in its oddity.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Odd – Something that is unconventional or unusual in a way that is noticeable, similar to bizarre.
- Quirky – Used to describe something that is unusual or eccentric in a charming or amusing way, akin to bizarre.
- Weird – Refers to something strange, unnatural, or eerie, often used similarly to bizarre.
- Unconventional – Describes behavior or ideas that go against the norm, closely related to bizarre in its challenge to societal expectations.
- Surreal – Often refers to a dreamlike or bizarre quality, where reality seems distorted, making it similar to bizarre in its extremity.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Fantasy – A genre of fiction or imagination that often contains bizarre elements that defy the ordinary.
- Paradox – A seemingly contradictory situation that may have a bizarre or unexpected resolution.
- Absurd – Describes something wildly unreasonable or ridiculous, often overlapping with the sense of bizarre.
- Incongruous – Something that doesn’t fit with its surroundings or expectations, often used to describe bizarre situations.
- Freakish – Something abnormal, grotesque, or strikingly unusual, often similar to bizarre in its oddity.
Antonyms
- Normal – Refers to something that conforms to typical expectations or standards, the opposite of bizarre.
- Ordinary – Describes something that is average, conventional, or not unusual, in contrast to the bizarre.
- Conventional – Something that adheres to established norms or traditions, opposite to the unconventional nature of bizarre.
- Regular – Refers to something that is usual, predictable, and in line with general standards, as opposed to bizarre.
- Common – Refers to something that is frequently encountered or widely accepted, unlike the rare and strange nature of bizarre.