eclectic

[ih-klek-tik]

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.

noun

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

eclectic

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of eclectic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of eclectic¹

C17: from Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from legein to gather

Example Sentences

“There were so many wonderful, eclectic bands,” Jay adds.

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She also brought a new literary sophistication to her lyrics and a textured beauty to her eclectic music.

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With Jefferson’s eclectic interests represented, the reborn Library of Congress became a general collection, not merely one for legislative specialists.

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Flog Gnaw is known for its eclectic booking and a carnival-like atmosphere complete with games, rides and funnel cakes.

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The screams wouldn’t have reached the Hollywood Hills, where Bill Whitten wound down after a typical Sunday cooking Southern-style collard greens and cornbread in his eclectic home filled with African and Black American minstrel art.

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Related Words

• broad 
• diverse 
• varied 
• wide-ranging