Definition

In a way that is unusual or difficult to understand.

Example

She looked at me strangely when I told her my idea.

Conversation

I met someone at the café today who looked strangely familiar.

Oh really? Did you figure out where you knew them from?

Not yet, but it felt like we had met before in a different place.

That’s interesting! Sometimes we encounter people in strangely coincidental ways.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Strangely → It is formed from "strange" (from Old French *estrange*, meaning foreign or unfamiliar) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "strangely" means in a manner that is foreign or unfamiliar, often implying oddness or peculiarity.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'foreign' or 'unfamiliar' ('strange') and how it is done 'in a manner' ('-ly'). This helps you remember that 'strangely' describes something done in an odd or peculiar way.

Visually Confused Words