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eclecticism

American  
[ih-klek-tuh-siz-uhm] / ɪˈklɛk təˌsɪz əm /

noun

  1. the use or advocacy of an eclectic method.

  2. a tendency in architecture and the decorative arts to mix various historical styles with modern elements with the aim of combining the virtues of many styles or increasing allusive content.


Etymology

Origin of eclecticism

First recorded in 1825–35; eclectic + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

What set “Mothership Connection” apart was its humor, imagination and eclecticism.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s worth noting that the studios didn’t initially encourage Reiner’s eclecticism.

From Los Angeles Times

With a pioneering sense of eclecticism, he connected the dots between John Cage and James Brown, between Mahler and MTT’s famous grandfather, Boris Thomashefsky, a star of the New York Yiddish theater.

From Los Angeles Times

Her Los Angeles home still feels modern but with a touch of eclecticism.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s that eclecticism and adventurous spirit that propels Croker’s excellent upcoming “Dream Manifest” album, due June 13.

From Los Angeles Times