eclectic
ehk-LEHK-tihk
Eclectic (adj) means drawing from many different sources, styles, or ideas rather than sticking to one. Example: “Her music collection is wonderfully eclectic, ranging from jazz to punk.”
adj
1
Drawing from many different sources, styles, or ideas rather than sticking to one.
"Her music collection is wonderfully eclectic, ranging from jazz to punk."
"The restaurant serves an eclectic menu that mixes cuisines from three continents."
How to use eclectic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMade up of a mix of different styles or influences, picked from wherever seems best, rather than one single source.
Common pairings
eclectic mix
eclectic taste
eclectic style
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Word forms
- Plural
- eclectics
- Comparative
- more eclectic
- Superlative
- most eclectic
Fill the gap
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Her music collection is wonderfully _____, ranging from jazz to punk.
Etymology
From Greek eklektikós, "selective," from eklégō, "to pick out" — from ek- ("out") plus légō ("to choose"); related to the word "elect."
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for eclectic
See all rhymes for eclectic →Frequently asked questions
What does “eclectic” mean?
The word “eclectic” means drawing from many different sources, styles, or ideas rather than sticking to one. In plain terms, made up of a mix of different styles or influences, picked from wherever seems best, rather than one single source.
How do you pronounce “eclectic”?
“Eclectic” is pronounced ehk-LEHK-tihk (/ɛkˈlɛk.tɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “eclectic” in a sentence?
Here is “eclectic” used in a sentence: “Her music collection is wonderfully eclectic, ranging from jazz to punk.”
What is the opposite of “eclectic”?
The opposite of “eclectic” — its antonyms — are exclusive, homogeneous, orthodox, standard and uniform.
What part of speech is “eclectic”?
“Eclectic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “eclectic” come from?
The word “eclectic” comes from Greek. From Greek eklektikós, "selective," from eklégō, "to pick out" — from ek- ("out") plus légō ("to choose"); related to the word "elect.".
Is “eclectic” a common word?
“Eclectic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
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