Definition

The quality of being strange or mysterious in a way that is unsettling or eerie.

Example

The uncanniness of the abandoned house made everyone feel uneasy.

Conversation

Have you ever experienced that strange sense of uncanniness when something feels just a bit off?

Definitely! It's like your mind is trying to make sense of something unusual.

Yeah, I felt that way during that horror movie we watched last week.

Exactly! The uncanniness of the scenes really stuck with me.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Uncanniness → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "canny" (from Scots *canny*, meaning knowing or shrewd). The word "uncanniness" refers to a quality of being strange or unsettling, often because it is beyond what is known or expected.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not knowing' ('un-') something that is usually 'shrewd' or 'clever' ('canny'). This helps you remember that 'uncanniness' describes something that feels strange or unsettling because it is outside of normal understanding.

Visually Confused Words