eclecticism

[ ih-klek-tuh-siz-uhm ]

/ ɪˈklɛk təˌsɪz əm /

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noun

the use or advocacy of an eclectic method.

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.

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Origin of eclecticism

First recorded in 1825–35; eclectic + -ism

Words nearby eclecticism

éclair, éclaircissement, eclampsia, éclat, eclectic, eclecticism, eclipse, eclipse plumage, eclipsing binary, eclipsing variable, eclipsing variable star

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use eclecticism in a sentence

Their eclecticism is more far-reaching and complicated than ’90s or 2000s young people, even more omnivorous, so it’s harder for corporate executives to market a one-size-fits-all youth culture to, or for so-called cool hunters to narc on them.
The great American cool|Safy-Hallan Farah|July 14, 2021|Vox
Our reviewer Michael Caines asks if the eclecticism adds up to an adventure.
The Best of Brit Lit|Peter Stothard|October 27, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Many hundred years previously Galen had originated a method, which deserves, perhaps, the title of pure eclecticism.
An Epitome of the History of Medicine|Roswell Park
The attempt was made, in sculpture and in painting, to combine results already won, generally in a shallow eclecticism.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber

Meanwhile Miriam Finch with her subtle eclecticism continued her education of Eugene.
The "Genius"|Theodore Dreiser
But with the Christian philosophers it was not merely the negative influence of scepticism which drove them to Eclecticism.
The Basis of Early Christian Theism|Lawrence Thomas Cole
They have failed, like all the juste-milieux of the world, and are laughed at for their eclecticism.
What is Property?|P. J. Proudhon

British Dictionary definitions for eclecticism

eclecticism

/ (ɪˈklɛktɪˌsɪzəm, ɛˈklɛk-) /

noun

an eclectic system or method

the use or advocacy of such a system

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