Definition of ECLECTIC

Eclectic Has a Philosophical History

Adjective

Eclectic comes from a Greek verb meaning "to select" and was originally applied to ancient philosophers who were not committed to any single system of philosophy; instead, these philosophers selected whichever doctrines pleased them from every school of thought. Later, the word's use broadened to cover other selective natures. "Hard by, the central slab is thick with books / Diverse, but which the true eclectic mind / Knows how to group, and gather out of each / Their frequent wisdoms...." In this 19th century example from a poem by Arthur Joseph Munby, for example, the word is applied to literature lovers who cull selective works from libraries.

Examples of eclectic in a Sentence

Adjective

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 The collection includes an eclectic mix of historical artifacts. the museum's eclectic collection has everything from a giraffe skeleton to medieval musical instruments

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The hip-hop innovator isn't afraid to show off his bold and eclectic sense of style, and the fashion set has taken notice and given their approval. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "Who is Alicia Keys' Husband, Swizz Beatz?," 10 Feb. 2019 Judges chose an eclectic range of 31 books in six competitive categories, from fiction to criticism to autobiography, for which six finalists were picked. — Hillel Italie, The Seattle Times, "Rachel Kushner among finalists for book critics prizes," 22 Jan. 2019 The actress splashed onto the scene in the early 80’s, cutting her piercing white teeth on General Hospital and sporting a set of blunt, choppy bangs that quickly morphed into a messy bouffant to match her eclectic style. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "At 56, Demi Moore Has Never Looked Better," 11 Nov. 2018 The three-story house has an eclectic style with a contemporary feel. — Terri Akman, Philly.com, "1870s West Philly home blends Victorian history with today's style," 26 June 2018 Ryan is a gifted songwriter and guitarist with an eclectic country style. — Jeremy Hallock, star-telegram, "Local rising star Mike Ryan brings his eclectic country sound to Billy Bob's," 20 June 2018 The stock reflects the eclectic style of downtown customers with a mix of classics and on-trend finds. — Liz Ohanesian, Los Angeles Magazine, "L.A.’s Most Fashionable Couple Lives Inside a DTLA Vintage Shop," 6 June 2018 The actress danced her way through the shoot in bold dresses, funky mix-and-matched prints, girly skirts, bright jeans and statement-making accessories, which was perfect for Julianne's eclectic style. — Ellen Collis, Seventeen, "Julianne Hough Dishes on Her Personal Style!," 12 Oct. 2011 Even by the standards of eclectic Paris bookstores, the personal library in the back of Studio 7L is immense, about 80,000 volumes. — Erik Maza, Town & Country, "Karl Lagerfeld Turns Interior Designer With a New Miami Masterpiece," 3 Jan. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Central Lodi has blocks filled with bike shops and clothing stores, wine bars and beer joints, white-linen dining and ethnic eclectics. — Ken Van Vechten, latimes.com, "Stuck in Lodi again? Relax with a glass of Zinfandel," 21 Dec. 2017 By allying himself with the eclectics, Lloyd was ostracized by regular pharmacists. — Jeff Suess, Cincinnati.com, "Our history: Lloyd Library is legacy of pharmacist brothers," 27 Oct. 2017 Borrow Vintage + Eclectic, which rents and retails furniture, home accessories by local designers, is hosting a designer's showcase and open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. — Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com, "Hip 'Love Bash' bridal, wedding show set for Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (photos)," 21 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'eclectic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for eclectic

Adjective

borrowed from Greek eklektikós "picking out, selecting what appears to be best," from eklektós "picked out, select" (verbal adjective of eklégein "to pick out, select," from ek- ec- + légein "to collect, gather, count, say") + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at legend

Noun

borrowed from Greek eklektikós "any of a group of philosophers who selected beliefs from a variety of schools of thought," noun derivative of eklektikós eclectic entry 1

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