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

The series will stage 17 events next year, six on oval speedways, seven on road courses and four on the streets, making it the most eclectic racing series in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Just two years after an FBI raid found classified documents about US nuclear weapons and spy satellites stored in a bathroom, an eclectic mix of insiders are swarming to Mar-a-Lago, which is patrolled by robot dogs and armed guards on boats.

From BBC

That might help it fit in with a modern, eclectic, multi-faith world, with representatives of more than 20 different religions and beliefs gathered around it.

From BBC

The full list includes an eclectic mix of criminals: drug dealers, wildlife smugglers, rappers who illegally possessed firearms, even sellers of bad beef.

From Slate

Growing up, Blackwell would often visit his grandfather’s Buena Park home, which was decorated with an eclectic collection of thrifted clocks.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• broad
• diverse
• varied
• wide-ranging