eclectic
Americanadjective
-
selecting or choosing from various sources.
-
made up of what is selected from different sources.
-
not following any one system, as of philosophy, medicine, etc., but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.
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noting or pertaining to works of architecture, decoration, landscaping, etc., produced by a certain person or during a certain period, that derive from a wide range of historic styles, the style in each instance often being chosen for its fancied appropriateness to local tradition, local geography, the purpose to be served, or the cultural background of the client.
noun
adjective
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(in art, philosophy, etc) selecting what seems best from various styles, doctrines, ideas, methods, etc
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composed of elements drawn from a variety of sources, styles, etc
noun
Other Word Forms
- eclectically adverb
- noneclectic adjective
- noneclectically adverb
- uneclectic adjective
- uneclectically adverb
Etymology
Origin of eclectic
First recorded in 1675–85; from Greek eklektikós “selective,” from eklekt(ós) “chosen, selected” (past participle of eklég(ein) “to pick out, choose,” from ek- ec- ( def. ) + légein “to pick up, gather, count, speak”; dialect ( def. ) ) + -ikos -ic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His narratives are often fertile ground for an eclectic mix of performers.
From Los Angeles Times
Accessories including lip-shaped purses, tiaras and huge statement necklaces completed the eclectic looks.
From BBC
Zeta-Jones said she had become increasingly drawn to The Big Apple's art scene, describing herself as "a bit of an eclectic collector".
From BBC
The Berlin Film Festival will kick off on Thursday evening with an eclectic selection of films reflecting current upheavals, and with Wim Wenders, one of Germany's most illustrious directors, heading the jury.
From Barron's
His own explanations for inflation are eclectic, at times drawing on commodity and stock prices, the money supply, productivity and federal spending.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
