Unusual or unexpected (3) Crossword Clue
Answer: ODD (3 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Unusual or unexpected" with 3 letters is "ODD".ODD refers to something unusual, strange, or unexpected, often standing out from the normal or expected pattern. His odd comment during the discussion left everyone puzzled, as it didn't seem to fit the topic.
Why “Odd” Fits
The clue asks for a 3-letter word meaning “unusual or unexpected.” The answer, ODD, fits neatly:
- Unusual or unexpected: "Odd" describes something that is strange, uncommon, or not what is typically anticipated—anything that stands out as different from the norm.
- Common usage: "Odd" is used to characterize things, events, or behaviors that are irregular, peculiar, or surprising.
This direct and familiar term makes "odd" the perfect answer for the clue.
"Odd" is a simple, versatile word in English:
- Origin: Derived from Old Norse "oddi," meaning a point or an end, evolving into the idea of something not fitting regular patterns.
- Examples: “That’s odd—I thought she was coming today.” “He has some odd habits.” “An odd occurrence interrupted the meeting.”
- Usage: "Odd" can apply to numbers (odd vs. even), but in daily conversation is most often used for strangeness, novelty, or unpredictability.
So "odd" naturally bridges the clue’s requirement of both being unusual and unexpected.
In quick crosswords, clues like “unusual or unexpected (3)”:
- Usually require common, short adjectives that express difference—"odd," "new," "off."
- The answer length (3) directly suggests “odd,” distinguishing it from other options.
- When clues use two synonyms (“unusual” and “unexpected”), they're almost always pointing to a word like "odd" that encompasses both.
Spotting broad descriptors in short clues guides you efficiently to “odd.”
