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

noun

1. a person who favours an eclectic approach, esp in art or philosophy

Derived Forms

• ecˈlectically, adverb

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

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

This role, as exhausting as it may be, feels like the culmination of her eclectic body of work.

From Los Angeles Times

"I have very eclectic taste, so sometimes people say, 'You really like that?' And I'm like, 'Yeah, I really like that. And if you pay attention, you might like it too.'"

From Salon

In many ways, that gig embodied the eclectic mix of performers L7 wanted to emulate with its own festival.

From Los Angeles Times

The lively underground pub drew a young crowd with its western theme and eclectic music.

From BBC

Like the film itself, Golijov’s score is wildly eclectic and constantly referencing old cinema.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• broad
• diverse
• varied
• wide-ranging