uncharacteristically
/ˌʌnˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪkli/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌʌnkˌɛrɪktɚˈɪstɪkli] /ˌʌnˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪkli/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌʌnkˌɛrɪktɚˈɪstɪkli] /ˌən-ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce uncharacteristic (audio) -ˌka-rik-/ (ame, mw)
uncharacteristically — adverb
1. in a manner that differs noticeably from someone's usual pattern of behaviour or
in a manner that differs noticeably from someone's usual pattern of behaviour or from what is normally expected of them
Theo, who usually arrives first, was uncharacteristically late for the team meeting this morning.
uncharacteristically + adjective (late)
Known for her gentle voice, Amara uncharacteristically shouted at the referee during the football match.
uncharacteristically + verb (shouted) — unexpected action
The usually busy market square was uncharacteristically silent on a Tuesday afternoon.
Oliver, a lifelong vegetarian, uncharacteristically ordered the grilled fish at the dinner party.
- atypically
more formal; often used in scientific or technical writing
- unusually
wider scope — can describe any departure from the norm, not just behaviour
- abnormally
suggests something is wrong or unhealthy, not just surprising
- characteristically
in a way that is typical of someone
- typically
the ordinary or expected way
文法句型
uncharacteristically + adjective
uncharacteristically + past participle
uncharacteristically + adverb
用法筆記
Frequently used to highlight a contrast between someone's normal habits and a single surprising event. The clause or sentence usually establishes the expected behaviour first (e.g. 'usually punctual', 'known for being calm') before the uncharacteristically-modified element.
常見錯誤
uncharacteristically — adjective
- uncharacteristicallypositive
- more uncharacteristicallycomparative
- most uncharacteristicallysuperlative
1. lacking the usual or expected qualities that identify a particular person, thing
lacking the usual or expected qualities that identify a particular person, thing, or situation; not following what is normal for them
Chef Marco's uncharacteristic lack of preparation worried the rest of the kitchen team.
attributive use: uncharacteristic + noun
The sudden hailstorm was uncharacteristic of the region's usually dry spring weather.
predicative: be uncharacteristic of [something]
It was uncharacteristic of Luisa to leave a meeting without saying goodbye to anyone.
The normally calm coach called a timeout in the final seconds, an uncharacteristic move.
- characteristic
typical of a person, thing, or group
- typical
showing the usual qualities of something
文法句型
be uncharacteristic of [someone/something]
it is uncharacteristic (of somebody) to do something
用法筆記
When describing a person's behaviour, the pattern 'it is uncharacteristic of [person] to do something' is more natural than using 'uncharacteristic' before a noun. Attributive use (e.g. 'uncharacteristic silence') is less common but acceptable.