eclectic

American  

[ih-klek-tik] / ɪˈklɛk tɪk /

adjective

1. selecting or choosing from various sources.

2. made up of what is selected from different sources.

3. not following any one system, as of philosophy, medicine, etc., but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.

4. 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.

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noun

1. Also eclecticist a person who follows an eclectic method, as in philosophy or architecture.

eclectic British  

/ ɪˈklɛktɪk, ɛˈklɛk- /

adjective

1. (in art, philosophy, etc) selecting what seems best from various styles, doctrines, ideas, methods, etc

2. composed of elements drawn from a variety of sources, styles, etc

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noun

1. a person who favours an eclectic approach, esp in art or philosophy

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

The lack of communication and action from the owners has nonetheless left the Bowl’s eclectic former community of artists, teachers, surfers, first responders and retirees in limbo.

From Los Angeles Times

This year, Times restaurant critic Bill Addison took the challenge further and spent months journeying California to find the best restaurants that depict the state’s eclectic food scene accurately.

From Los Angeles Times

Before he began showing his abstract paintings, the artist had an eclectic résumé that included teaching at a public school and running for mayor.

From The Wall Street Journal

So with 2026 nearly upon us, join me for an eclectic taste of a few literary delights worth feasting upon over the next 12 months.

From BBC

The proprietors of Desert 5 Spot in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood also pride themselves on having an eclectic playlist.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• broad
• diverse
• varied
• wide-ranging