WordGarden.iostrangely
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /strˈeɪndʒli/
US
- /ˈstreɪndʒli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a strange, unusual, or unfamiliar way
oddly enough; unexpectedly
Beyond the definition
"Strangely" describes something happening in a way that feels unusual or not expected. It is an adverb, so it tells us how something happens. Think of a quiet street that is suddenly full of music at dawn, or a friend who laughs at a very serious moment. That kind of thing can feel strange. You might say, "Strangely enough, the library was empty even though it was Saturday afternoon," because you would expect it to be busy. The word often adds a feeling of surprise, mystery, or slight discomfort.
"Strangely" is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating that something is happening in an unusual, peculiar, or unexpected way. It suggests a departure from the norm, often hinting at mystery, surprise, or even a touch of unease.
Unlike simply saying something is strange (using the adjective "strange"), "strangely" focuses on the way it is happening. For example, "The old house stood strangely silent" does not mean the house itself is strange. It emphasizes the unusual kind of silence around it, perhaps an unsettling, unnatural quiet.
You might use "strangely" to introduce a surprising or ironic situation: "Strangely, despite all his preparation, he forgot his keys." Or you can use it to describe behavior that doesn't quite fit: "She smiled strangely, as if hiding something." It can also be used to soften a statement or acknowledge the oddity of an event: "Strangely enough, it started raining candy."
The power of "strangely" lies in its ability to add nuance and intrigue. It doesn't just tell us what is happening; it tells us how it feels—off-kilter, unexpected, or a little bit unsettling. So next time something seems out of the ordinary, remember that it might not just be strange… it might be happening strangely.
Examples
- 1
Empty house
The house seemed strangely quiet after everyone left.
- 2
Familiar face
Her face looked strangely familiar, but I knew we had never met.
- 3
Interview mood
I felt strangely calm during the interview.
- 4
Unexpected comfort
He found her direct answer strangely comforting.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Unexpected oversight
Strangely, nobody noticed that the date was wrong.
- 6
Surprising rapport
Strangely enough, we got along better after the argument.
- Phrasestrangely enough
surprisingly
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- strangely enough
- behave strangely
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- strangelyadverb