Corrections Officer Entrance (CJBAT) Practice Exam

How can "unusual" be best characterized?

1. Ordinary

2. Commonplace

3. Unexpected

4. Regular

The correct answer is: Unexpected

"Unusual" is best characterized as something that is unexpected. This term conveys the notion of being not typical or not in accordance with what is generally anticipated. In various contexts, “unusual” implies that something deviates from the norm or standard expectations, suggesting a sense of surprise or rarity. When we encounter something unusual, it often prompts curiosity or attention, highlighting its distinctiveness compared to everyday experiences. The other choices do not capture this meaning accurately. "Ordinary," "commonplace," and "regular" all suggest a sense of familiarity or typicalness, which directly contradicts the essence of "unusual." Therefore, the characterization of "unusual" as unexpected effectively conveys its core definition.