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View synonyms for eclectic

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

/ 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


noun

  1. a person who favours an eclectic approach, esp in art or philosophy
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ecˈlectically, adverb
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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
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of eclectic1

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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éclateclecticism