What is the difference between odd, weird, and awkward?
Post from Effortless English.
A dictionary will help you answer your question. I will be using the Macquarie (Australian) Dictionary to answer this question. Some of these words are interchangable. A couple of these words have more than one meaning. I will choose the meaning that relates to strange (because it was requested).
Odd is defined as: differing in character from what is ordinary or usual. If something is normal or expected and it changes unexpectedly; you are surprised; it does not happen everyday, it is odd. Example: It is odd to see two postmen (British English) / mailmen (U.S. English) delivering letters to our mailbox today. Meaning: Everyday we see one postman delivering our letters. Why were there two postmen delivering our letters today? This does not happen everyday; therefore, it is odd.
Weird is defined as: involving or suggesting the supernatural; unearthly or uncanny. Something that is being above or beyond what is natural. Example: It is weird to see birds flying in circles for six hours. Meaning: Birds do not fly in circles for a long time; therefore, it is weird.
Awkward is defined as: lacking dexterity or skill; ungraceful; ungainly; uncouth. If a person does something strange using its hands or body, it is awkward. Example: It is awkward to see David accidentally dropping things onto the floor. Meaning: David does not usually drop things. Why is he dropping so many things today? It is awkward.
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