word choice - Peculiar vs peculiar to itself


What is the difference between the following statements?



Most men have peculiar manners.


Most men have manners peculiar to themselves.




Answer



Peculiar by itself simply means odd or strange, with a touch of eccentric. Your first statement is saying that most men act strangely.


Peculiar to oneself means unique or distinctive, not necessarily odd. Your second statement is saying that most men have habits which are easily distinguishable from other men's habits.


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