Synderlig

Synderlig is a Danish adjective meaning unusual, strange, or peculiar. In modern usage it is relatively uncommon in everyday speech and is more often found in literary or formal contexts. The sense of the word can range from mild curiosity to puzzlement or mild suspicion, depending on the situation.

The term is typically used to describe people, actions, or situations, for example en synderlig stil (a peculiar style), en synderlig opførsel (peculiar behavior), or en synderlig begivenhed (an unusual event). In ordinary conversation, synderlig is often replaced by underlig or mærkelig, which are more common and versatile.

Etymology and register: the precise origin of synderlig is not clearly established. The form appears in older Danish texts and today is generally regarded as archaic or literary. It is sometimes treated as a more emphatic or historical variant of underlig rather than a contemporary synonym.

Usage notes: because the term is dated, it can carry a slightly elevated or formal tone. It is more likely to be found in literature, formal writing, or translations that aim for a traditional or stylistically elevated Danish than in casual speech.

Synonyms and related terms include underlig, mærkelig, særegen, and kurios. Antonyms include normal, almindelig, and gængs. See also: underlig, særegen.

Examples:

- Det var en synderlig måde at reagere på.

- Han fortalte en synderlig historie, som ingen kunne forklare.

- Det virkede som en synderlig ro i et ellers kaotisk rum.