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 ec·lec·ti·cist [] a person who follows an eclectic method, as in philosophy or architecture.

eclectic

/ ɛˈklɛk-; ɪˈklɛktɪk /

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

Derived Forms

• ecˈlectically, adverb

Other Words From

• ec·lecti·cal·ly adverb
• nonec·lectic adjective noun
• nonec·lecti·cal·ly adverb
• unec·lectic adjective
• unec·lecti·cal·ly 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

Easy-going guy who enjoys nights out on the weekends and documentaries after work on the weeknights — and a guy who likes my eclectic taste in music and who prefers the beach to anywhere else.

From Washington Blade

A final revelation from the filmmaker touches on what elevates “Two of Us” beyond the sum of its eclectic set of parts.

From Washington Blade

I had a ton of fun with this eclectic and distinct theme, especially when building séance rooms, though not all of it fit my Tanglewood project.

From Washington Post

The platform’s product list is eclectic, from clothing to honey.

From Ozy

More than meets the eye, Belize’s tapestry is also woven with exotic cultures paired with an eclectic food scene.

From Outside Online

I think this is just much more natural and eclectic than a lot of films.

From The Daily Beast

But these days, Starbucks features an eclectic mix of music with a very heavy dose of jazz.

From The Daily Beast

Forty-eight works from 37 artists, including 18 women, are on display, and the selection is eclectic.

From The Daily Beast

The occasion was a live taping for KCRW's long-running Morning Becomes Eclectic radio program.

From The Daily Beast

He also posted the tips videos on YouTube, where his eclectic likes suggest the very opposite of a narrow-minded fanatic.

From The Daily Beast

But Alexander was only a religious eclectic, honouring what he thought best in the current systems of belief.

From Project Gutenberg

In consequence of its symbolical purpose this hieratic series is rather eclectic than cyclopdic in its character.

From Project Gutenberg

Shy in boyhood and eclectic in the matter of associates, he had the genius for real friendships.

From Project Gutenberg

It was during this period that Clemens formulated his eclectic therapeutic doctrine.

From Project Gutenberg

In its actual procedure school work must always be thus eclectic.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• broad
• diverse
• varied
• wide-ranging