Words / A2

OD/ɒd/

Odd means strange, or a number that is not even: an odd question, odd socks, odd numbers (1, 3, 5). Strange and unusual are cousins for the “not normal” sense. Even is the opposite for numbers. Odds (plural) means chances — a different word already in higher lists. Do not write odd when you mean old, or of.

Meaning

Strange or unusual; also a number such as 1, 3, or 5.

Examples

• “That is an odd place to park a motorbike.”
• “He gave an odd answer and then left the room.”
• “Circle the odd numbers in this list: 2, 7, 10, 15.”

Good to know

an odd question / odd numbers. Cousin: strange. Number opposite: even. Mix-up: old, odds.

Near in meaning

strange

New