adj
eccentric
ihk-SEHNT-rihk
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
Word Forms
more eccentric comparative, eccentrics plural, most eccentric superlative
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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."