adv
Uncommon
oddly
OD-lee
Oddly (adv) means In a strange or unexpected way. Example: “He behaved oddly all through the meeting.”
adv
1
In a strange or unexpected way.
"He behaved oddly all through the meeting."
"Oddly enough, nobody noticed the missing painting for days."
How to use oddly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStrangely, or in a way that seems out of the ordinary.
Memory tip
"Oddly enough" is a common fixed phrase used to introduce a surprising fact.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
oddly enough
behave oddly
oddly specific
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He behaved _____ all through the meeting.
Etymology
From "odd" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly".
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “oddly” mean?
The word “oddly” means in a strange or unexpected way. In plain terms, strangely, or in a way that seems out of the ordinary.
How do you pronounce “oddly”?
“Oddly” is pronounced OD-lee (/ˈɑdli/ in IPA).
How do you use “oddly” in a sentence?
Here is “oddly” used in a sentence: “He behaved oddly all through the meeting.”
What part of speech is “oddly”?
“Oddly” is an adverb.
Is “oddly” a common word?
“Oddly” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between oddly and strangely?
Oddly and strangely both describe something happening in a way that departs from what is expected, and the two words are largely synonymous. Oddly can sometimes carry a slightly lighter or more conversational tone, while strangely can feel a touch more dramatic depending on context.
How is 'oddly enough' used in a sentence?
'Oddly enough' is a common phrase used to introduce a surprising or unexpected fact, as in 'Oddly enough, the store was empty on a Saturday.' It signals to the listener that what follows defies normal expectations.
Is oddly used to describe people or just situations?
Oddly can describe both behavior and situations, as in 'she acted oddly' or 'the room was oddly quiet.' In both cases it signals that something departed from what would normally be expected.
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