eclectic
pronunciation
How to pronounce eclectic in British English: UK [ɪˈklektɪk]
How to pronounce eclectic in American English: US [ɪˈklɛktɪk]
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- Noun:
- someone who selects according to the eclectic method
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- Adjective:
- selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
Word Origin
- eclectic (adj.)
- 1680s, "not confined to or following any one model or system," originally in reference to ancient philosophers who selected doctrines from every system; from French eclectique (1650s), from Greek eklektikos "selective," literally "picking out," from eklektos "selected," from eklegein "pick out, select," from ek "out" (see ex-) + legein "gather, choose" (see lecture (n.)). Broader sense of "borrowed from diverse sources" is first recorded 1847. As a noun from 1817.
Example
- 1. Some are more eclectic , presenting links to all types of other sites .
- 2. Hively is a connoisseur with an acute eye eclectic sympathies and a few strict prejudices .
- 3. Another tory riposte is that weirdos and eccentrics can also be found in other european blocks , all of which are necessarily broad and eclectic coalitions .
- 4. Since moving in , garnaut has removed the standard-issue furniture and fashioned the decor in a more eclectic style , including mementos from travels to mongolia .
- 5. Mr cruddas is the nearest thing labour has to boris johnson , the re-elected mayor of london , in that he presents an eclectic mixture of political ideas , wrapped in outspoken personal charm .