First Known Use: 1683
Dictionary
1eclectic
adjective eclec·tic \e-ˈklek-tik, i-\
: including things taken from many different sources
Full Definition of ECLECTIC
1
: selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles
2
: composed of elements drawn from various sources; also : heterogeneous
— eclec·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See eclectic defined for English-language learners
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Examples of ECLECTIC
- All around us, fishers galumphed past. … They carried an eclectic array of rods, nets, buckets and coolers. —Stephen C. Sautner, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2000
- Her witty, mordant and splendidly vinegary observations were informed by broad and eclectic reading. —George F. Will, Newsweek, 24 May 1999
- The polo crowd is eclectic and dangerously hagridden with narcissism and treachery, and that is the way they like it. —Hunter S. Thompson, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 1994
- … big wheels of country bread and eclectic selections of pâtés, hams, cheeses, honey and all sorts of homemade cookies and sweets. —Per-Henrik Mansson, Wine Spectator, 28 Feb. 1993
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Origin of ECLECTIC
Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from ex- out + legein to gather — more at legend
Related to ECLECTIC
- Synonyms
- assorted, miscellaneous, heterogeneous, indiscriminate, kitchen-sink, magpie, mixed, motley, patchwork, piebald, promiscuous, raggle-taggle, ragtag, varied
- Antonyms
- homogeneous
2eclectic
noun eclec·tic \e-ˈklek-tik, i-\
Definition of ECLECTIC
: one who uses a method or approach that is composed of elements drawn from various sources : one who uses an eclectic method or approach
Origin of ECLECTIC
(see 1eclectic)
First Known Use: 1817
ECLECTIC Defined for Kids
eclectic
adjective eclec·tic \e-ˈklek-tik, i-\
Definition of ECLECTIC for Kids
: including things taken from many different sources <The radio station plays an eclectic mix of music.>
Learn More About ECLECTIC
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