eccentricity

noun

ec·​cen·​tric·​i·​ty ˌek-(ˌ)sen-ˈtri-sə-tē 

plural eccentricities

1

a

: the quality or state of being eccentric

b

: deviation from an established pattern or norm

especially : odd or whimsical behavior

2

a

: a mathematical constant that for a given conic section is the ratio of the distances from any point of the conic section to a focus and the corresponding directrix

b

: the eccentricity of an astronomical orbit used as a measure of its deviation from circularity

Synonyms

• crotchet
• curiosity
• erraticism
• idiosyncrasy
• individualism
• kink
• mannerism
• oddity
• peculiarity
• quiddity
• quip
• quirk
• singularity
• tic
• trick
• twist

Examples of eccentricity in a Sentence

Some people weren't very tolerant of his eccentricity.

Talking to her plants is one of her many eccentricities.

Recent Examples on the Web

Relive lost moments of sports history, delve into the world of the extrasensory, explore the eccentricity of ‘Devo,’ be inspired by the story of Christopher Reeve. —Addie Morfoot, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024

Whereas her debut special incorporated documentary elements, this hour effectively captures the improvisational eccentricity of her live act. —Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2024

While Mulier’s unconventional details add a touch of eccentricity to Kaia Gerber’s usual minimalist aesthetic, the overall sleekness of the designs resonates well with her personal style. —Alex Kessler, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024

Through watching over her husband’s cryo-frozen body, Alejandro meets Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), who is a firestorm of insults, demands and eccentricities. —The Arizona Republic, 14 Mar. 2024

The character demanded a certain eccentricity, which Rodríguez says is signaled through his image, wardrobe, and behavior. —Max Gao, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2024

Coordinating glasses paired with a black satin jacket add to its eccentricity, without feeling over-the-top. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2024

Ellen Gilchrist, a Southern writer with a sharp, sometimes indulgent eye for her region’s foibles and eccentricities, died on Jan. 30 at her home in Ocean Springs, Miss. —Adam Nossiter, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2024

Greta’s own love life is complicated by other antics, including her Māori mother’s secrets and her Russian father’s eccentricities. —People Staff, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin excentricitāt-, excentricitās, from ecentricus, excentricus "not having the earth exactly at its center, eccentric entry 1" + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

eccentricity

noun

ec·​cen·​tric·​i·​ty ˌek-ˌsen-ˈtris-ət-ē 

plural eccentricities

1

a

: the quality or state of being eccentric

b

: something that does not follow an established pattern, norm, or rule

especially : unusual behavior

2

: the amount by which a nearly circular path is not circular

an orbit's eccentricity