unusual
/ʌnˈjuːʒuəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ʌnˈjuːʒuəl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl -zhəl; -ˈyüzh-wəl/ (ame, mw)
unusual — adjective
- unusualpositive
- more unusualcomparative
- most unusualsuperlative
1. noticeably different from the everyday or expected situation, often giving somet
noticeably different from the everyday or expected situation, often giving something a special or attention-grabbing quality
The museum has an unusual collection of ancient bronze mirrors from Southeast Asia.
unusual + noun (collection)
It is unusual for Hiro to arrive late — he is normally first in the office.
it is unusual for [person] + to-infinitive
Kian wore an unusual hat that looked like a giant bird's nest.
The scientists discovered an unusual species of fish living in the dark underground lake.
What an unusual name — I have never heard it before in my life.
- rare
Emphasises scarcity or infrequency; stronger than 'unusual' in suggesting something seldom happens or exists
- remarkable
More positive — highlights that something is worth noticing because it is impressive or exceptional
- peculiar
More negative — suggests strangeness or oddness, often in an uncomfortable way
- extraordinary
Much stronger — describes something far beyond what is normal, often in a dramatic or impressive way
文法句型
unusual + noun
it is unusual for someone to do something
something seems / looks / sounds unusual
用法筆記
Common in the pattern 'it is unusual for [someone] to [do something]' to highlight behaviour that goes against someone's normal pattern. Can appear before a noun (an unusual sight) or after a linking verb (seems unusual, looks unusual). The adverb 'unusually' is used before adjectives (unusually hot) rather than as a verb modifier.