Word of the Day: Uncanny
What's the story
"Uncanny" (adjective) describes something mysterious, strange, or unsettling in a way that feels almost supernatural. It's used when something seems too perfect, too familiar, or too unusual to be explained easily. The word captures that eerie feeling when ordinary things suddenly seem extraordinary.
Origin
Origin of the word
The word "uncanny" comes from the Scottish word canny, meaning "knowing" or "careful." Adding "un-" turned it into its opposite, something beyond normal understanding. By the 18th century, "uncanny" was used to describe things that felt eerie or hard to explain.
Synonyms
Synonyms for 'uncanny'
Common alternatives include eerie, strange, mysterious, weird, odd, peculiar, and supernatural. Each of these words conveys something unusual, surprising, or beyond normal explanation.
Usage
Sentence usage
Here's how "uncanny" can be used in different contexts: "She had an 'uncanny' ability to guess what people were thinking." "The silence in the room felt 'uncanny' after all the noise." "The twins shared an 'uncanny' resemblance."
Writing
Why use the word
Using "uncanny" helps describe moments or feelings that are mysterious, unsettling, or strangely familiar. It makes your writing more interesting, especially when you want to describe something mysterious or a little strange. It's great for stories, suspenseful scenes, or moments that feel unusual or hard to explain.