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

One was an interest in an eclectic pursuit of knowledge that still gives these institutions a distinctive American energy.

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Hers is maximalist, hippy and eclectic, while her boyfriend dresses like a "typical skater in his 20s", in vintage band T-shirts and Vans in various shades of grey.

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Anderson was in the audience at the recent Los Angeles premiere of “The Smashing Machine,” along with an eclectic crowd that included Fielder and basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

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Outside London, Sir Terry also built Hull's striking aquarium, The Deep, jutting out over the Humber like a strangely angular boat; and the eclectic collection of buildings known as The Centre for Life in Newcastle.

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Keeping the two Indians company this year is a delightfully eclectic cast of winners.

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Related Words

• broad 
• diverse 
• varied 
• wide-ranging