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View synonyms for

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

“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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Other Word Forms

  • eclectically adverb
  • noneclectic adjective
  • noneclectically adverb
  • uneclectic adjective
  • uneclectically adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of eclectic1

First recorded in 1675–85; from Greek پó “selective,” from (ó) “chosen, selected” (past participle of é(𾱲) “to pick out, choose,” from ek- ec- ( def. ) + é𾱲 “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

Examples have not been reviewed.

In the sunny gardens of the Highgrove estate, I stood in a circle with King Charles and an eclectic group who were attending his first "Harmony Summit".

From

The night was known for its eclectic music and proved hugely popular, while the pair continued to tour and release music after the club night concluded.

From

Haas intentionally zeroed in on L.A.’s eclectic neighborhoods in the scene locators glimpsed throughout the series, which let viewers know what part of town the action is taking place.

From

The result — which feels surprisingly grown-in even though the museum won’t open until next year — is a sinuous, eclectic landscape that unfolds in discrete vignettes, all promoting exploration and distinct experience.

From

" an opportunity for everyone to see historic pieces first hand," she said, praising the "eclectic" collection.

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éeclecticism