eccentric
ihk-SEHNT-rihk
Eccentric (adj) means behaving in an unconventional or slightly odd way; not following normal habits. Example: “Her eccentric uncle collected vintage typewriters and never answered the phone.”
adj
1
Behaving in an unconventional or slightly odd way; not following normal habits.
"Her eccentric uncle collected vintage typewriters and never answered the phone."
"The professor was known for his eccentric teaching methods."
2
Not centred on the same point as something else; off-centre.
"The wheel wobbled because its axle was slightly eccentric."
noun
1
A person whose behaviour or habits are unusual or quirky.
"The village had its share of eccentrics, including a man who only spoke in rhyme."
How to use eccentric
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that doesn't follow the usual pattern — quirky, unusual, a bit "off-centre" in behaviour.
Common pairings
eccentric behaviour
eccentric millionaire
slightly eccentric
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Word forms
- Plural
- eccentrics
- Comparative
- more eccentric
- Superlative
- most eccentric
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Her _____ uncle collected vintage typewriters and never answered the phone.
Etymology
From Greek ékkentros, "off centre" — literally "out of" (ek-) plus "centre" (kéntron); it first described orbits that didn't circle the Earth exactly, before coming to mean "unconventional person."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for eccentric
See all rhymes for eccentric →Frequently asked questions
What does “eccentric” mean?
The word “eccentric” means behaving in an unconventional or slightly odd way; not following normal habits. In plain terms, someone (or something) that doesn't follow the usual pattern — quirky, unusual, a bit "off-centre" in behaviour.
How do you pronounce “eccentric”?
“Eccentric” is pronounced ihk-SEHNT-rihk (/ɪkˈsɛntɹɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “eccentric” in a sentence?
Here is “eccentric” used in a sentence: “Her eccentric uncle collected vintage typewriters and never answered the phone.”
What is another word for “eccentric”?
Words with a similar meaning to “eccentric” include aberrant, abnormal, anomalous, balmy, barmy and bizarre.
What is the opposite of “eccentric”?
The opposite of “eccentric” — its antonyms — are consistent, conventional, mainstream, normal and ordinary.
What part of speech is “eccentric”?
Depending on how it is used, “eccentric” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “eccentric” come from?
The word “eccentric” comes from Greek. From Greek ékkentros, "off centre" — literally "out of" (ek-) plus "centre" (kéntron); it first described orbits that didn't circle the Earth exactly, before coming to mean "unconventional person.".
Is “eccentric” a common word?
“Eccentric” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What's the difference between eccentric and crazy?
Eccentric describes unconventional or odd behavior that is usually harmless and can even be charming, while crazy often implies irrational or unstable behavior with a more negative connotation. Calling someone eccentric is generally gentler and can be a compliment, whereas crazy rarely is.
What does "eccentric" mean in engineering or geometry?
In a technical context, eccentric describes something not centered on the same point as something else, such as an eccentric wheel or gear whose axis is offset from its geometric center. This literal sense is distinct from the everyday meaning describing an unconventional person.
Is calling someone "eccentric" an insult?
Not usually. Eccentric typically describes quirky or unconventional behavior in a neutral-to-positive way, often suggesting individuality or harmless idiosyncrasy rather than a genuine flaw.
Can "eccentric" be used as a noun?
Yes, an eccentric is a person whose behavior or habits are unusual or quirky, as in "the town's beloved eccentric." This noun use treats the trait as a defining characteristic of the person.
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