eclectic
Americanadjective
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selecting or choosing from various sources.
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made up of what is selected from different sources.
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not following any one system, as of philosophy, medicine, etc., but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.
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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
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Also eclecticist a person who follows an eclectic method, as in philosophy or architecture.
adjective
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(in art, philosophy, etc) selecting what seems best from various styles, doctrines, ideas, methods, etc
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composed of elements drawn from a variety of sources, styles, etc
noun
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a person who favours an eclectic approach, esp in art or philosophy
Other Word Forms
- eclectically adverb
- noneclectic adjective
- noneclectically adverb
- uneclectic adjective
- uneclectically adverb
Etymology
Origin of eclectic
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
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.
Set in downtown LA, it’s an eclectic, colorful boutique hotel with vintage brick details and excellent service.
From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026
Over the past 40 years, an eclectic mix of financiers from Dubai to Taiwan invested hundreds of millions of dollars in developing the plane maker’s lightweight business jets.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026
The eclectic shortlist also sees recognition for Lily Allen's bitter break-up album, West End Girl, songs from the movie musicals Wicked and KPop Demon Hunters, and a best group nomination for resurgent Britpop band Pulp.
From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026
His narratives are often fertile ground for an eclectic mix of performers.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026
I learned an eclectic smattering of Commonwealth law from a traveling barrister too drunk or too pompous to realize he was lecturing an eight-year-old.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.