Odd

Definition

Odd is an adjective and noun that describes something unusual, strange, or out of the ordinary. It can also refer to numbers that are not divisible by two or something that does not conform to a pattern.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun (rare, informal)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɑːd/
• Respelling: awd

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɒd/
• Respelling: od

Etymology

The word "odd" originates from Old Norse "oddi," meaning "point of land" or "triangle," later evolving to mean "one left over" or "uneven." It entered Middle English as "odde," signifying something irregular, strange, or not conforming to a pair.

Derivatives

• Oddly (adverb)
• Oddness (noun)
• Odds (noun, plural)
• Oddball (noun, informal)
• Oddment (noun)

Synonyms

• Strange
• Unusual
• Peculiar

Antonyms

• Normal
• Common
• Even

Usage

As an adjective, "odd" is often used to describe something strange or unexpected. For example, "He had an odd habit of collecting bottle caps."

It is also used to refer to numbers not divisible by two. For example, "Three is an odd number."

Related Terms

• Even: The opposite of odd, referring to numbers divisible by two.
• Unusual: Something uncommon or atypical.
• Irregular: Something not following a fixed pattern.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Unusual or strange: Used to describe something that deviates from the norm.
  • Example: "His behavior seemed odd that evening."
• Not divisible by two: Refers to numbers that cannot be evenly divided by two.
  • Example: "Seven is an odd number."
• Not fitting into a set or pair: Describes something left over or not in an expected arrangement.
  • Example: "He found an odd sock in his drawer."
• Approximately or roughly: Used after numbers to indicate an estimated amount.
  • Example: "There were fifty-odd people at the party."

Noun (rare, informal)

• A person who is strange or eccentric: Used in informal speech.
  • Example: "He’s a bit of an odd, but he means well."