eclectic

CEFRC1

/ɛkˈlɛk.tɪk/

adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Choosing ideas or styles from many different sources.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Extra detail

    Someone who selects according to the eclectic method.

Examples

  • Her eclectic taste was evident from the unusual decor of the room.

  • Her house is a reflection of her eclectic sensibilities.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
4
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
1

Also pronounced

  • /ɪˈklɛk.tɪk/

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings

  1. Unrelated and unspecialized; heterogeneous.

  2. Selecting a mixture of what appears to be best of various doctrines, methods or styles.

More examples

In context

  • Tom has an eclectic taste in music.

  • Though rooted in jazz, Byron's music is stylistically eclectic.

  • Colvin said Obama has an eclectic taste in music, listening to everything from Indonesian flute music to OutKast to Motown.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

His blank music collection included jazz, opera, and Mongolian throat singing.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

From French éclectique, from Ancient Greek ἐκλεκτικός (eklektikós, “selective”), from ἐκλέγω (eklégō, “to pick, choose”), from ἐκ (ek, “out, from”) + λέγω (légō, “to choose, count”). Cognate to elect.