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

With the Unesco recognition, my beloved, chaotic, eclectic city - the capital of India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh - is finally in the spotlight for what has always defined its soul: a passion for food.

From BBC

Major record labels have been swarming to woo the band, whose idiosyncratic sound is characterized by eclectic arrangements, surprising song structures and Winter’s warbly singing style.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Nestled in the heart of prestigious Sullivan Canyon, one of L.A.’s most revered equestrian enclaves, the residence is not only grand but extremely private and eclectic,” the listing notes.

From MarketWatch

The comedy or musical race leaned more openly into the Globes’ eclectic instincts.

From Los Angeles Times

The furnishings are as eclectic as the woman herself: A pink couch in one corner has four bowing swans affixed to each corner.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• broad
• diverse
• varied
• wide-ranging