strangely
17 synonyms and 3 antonyms for strangely, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — In an odd or unusual way.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use strangely
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English "straungely," built from "strange" plus "-ly."
Full origin of strangely →Frequently asked questions
What does “strangely” mean?
The word “strangely” means in an odd or unusual way. In plain terms, in an odd manner, or as a way to flag something surprising.
How do you pronounce “strangely”?
“Strangely” is pronounced STRAYNJ-lee (/ˈstɹeɪnd͡ʒli/ in IPA).
How do you use “strangely” in a sentence?
Here is “strangely” used in a sentence: “He behaved strangely all afternoon, and nobody knew why.”
What is another word for “strangely”?
Words with a similar meaning to “strangely” include oddly, uncannily, alienly, weirdly, curiously and eccentrically.
What is the opposite of “strangely”?
The opposite of “strangely” — its antonyms — are familiarly, mundanely and normally.
What part of speech is “strangely”?
“Strangely” is an adverb.
Where does the word “strangely” come from?
The word “strangely” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "straungely," built from "strange" plus "-ly.".
Is “strangely” a common word?
“Strangely” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between strangely and strangely enough?
Strangely can simply describe how something is done in an odd or unusual way, as in "he behaved strangely." "Strangely enough" is a fixed phrase using strangely's second sense, introducing a surprising fact, similar to saying "surprisingly." The "enough" intensifies the sense of unexpectedness.
Can strangely be used to start a sentence?
Yes, when strangely opens a sentence it usually functions as a sentence adverb introducing a surprising fact, as in "Strangely, no one noticed the mistake." This use is closer in meaning to "surprisingly" than to describing the manner of an action.
Is strangely formal or informal in register?
Strangely is neutral and works comfortably in both formal and informal writing and speech. It is common in everyday conversation as well as in more careful prose, without carrying a strong formal or casual connotation.