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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Old Norse |
| Origin: | oddi 'point of land, triangle, odd number' |
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odd S1 W3
comparative odder, superlative oddest
comparative odder, superlative oddest1 different from what is normal or expected, especially in a way that you disapprove of or cannot understand : It was an odd thing to say. an odd way to behave They're an odd couple. There was something odd about him.
strange
It was an odd thing to say.an odd way to behaveThey're an odd couple.There was something odd about him.2 a few occasions, days etc that happen at various times but not often and not regularly [= occasional]: Lack of sleep doesn't matter on the odd occasion. I take the odd day off work. I like the odd glass of wine with my dinner. Jo smokes the odd cigarette.
the odd occasion/day/moment/drink etc
especially British EnglishLack of sleep doesn't matter on the odd occasion.I take the odd day off work.I like the odd glass of wine with my dinner.Jo smokes the odd cigarette.3 not specially chosen or collected : Any odd scrap of paper will do.
various
[only before noun]Any odd scrap of paper will do.4 separated from a pair or set : an odd shoe
not in a pair/set
[only before noun]an odd shoe5 a number that cannot be divided exactly by two, for example 1, 3, 5, 7 etc [≠ even number]
odd number
HMN6 a little more than 20 etc : I have another 20-odd years to work before I retire.
20-odd/30-odd etc
spokenI have another 20-odd years to work before I retire.7 someone or something that is different from the rest of the group or not included in it : Which shape is the odd one out? I was always the odd one out at school.
the odd man/one out
British EnglishWhich shape is the odd one out?I was always the odd one out at school. —oddness noun [uncountable]
➔ oddlyWORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE: unusual, strange, odd, bizarre, extraordinary, exceptional, remarkableUnusual is neither approving nor disapproving • a suit made of unusual material • an unusual name • Her response was unusual.Strange and odd mean unusual in a way that you cannot understand. They are sometimes used to show slight disapproval or distrust • a very strange man • I found his attitude a bit odd.Bizarre means very unusual, especially in a way that you think is amusing or that is hard to believe • a bizarre haircut Extraordinary can be approving or disapproving, but suggests approval when it is used to describe a person • What an extraordinary idea! (can suggest you strongly disagree) • My mother was an extraordinary woman (=very impressive, talented etc).Exceptional and remarkable often mean unusually good or impressive • a writer of exceptional talent • a remarkable film ➔ See also unusual
