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

Budapest -- with its eclectic architecture and several modern studios -- has become Hollywood's most important production hub outside the English-speaking world, he noted.

Read more on Barron's

The documents released by Epstein's estate reveal his eclectic social circle of distinguished scholars, business titans and politicians.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• broad 
• diverse 
• varied 
• wide-ranging