eclecticism

noun

eclec·​ti·​cism i-ˈklek-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce eclecticism (audio)
e-
: the theory or practice of an eclectic method

Examples of eclecticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But the eclecticism rests on a solid foundation of international law. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2024 Their fans appreciate the continuity of style as well as the eclecticism that these designers offer. Elaine Markoutsas, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 With its hard-to-miss spiral motif at Sixth and College, Cosmos is a study in eclecticism: an airy, open room downstairs with a circular bar, an art gallery, an upstairs cigar lounge and balcony for dining, and a menu that runs from sushi to tapas. Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2024 By then, admiration for Bernstein's eclecticism had bloomed. Scott Hocker, theweek, 5 Jan. 2024 Yet others at the label were put off by her eclecticism. Luis Melgar, Washington Post, 8 Dec. 2023 Shakur eventually befriended members of Digital Underground, an Oakland hip-hop group that took inspiration from the energy and the eclecticism of seventies funk. Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2023 Throw in the free jazz improvisations of Ornette Coleman, whom Reed also revered at that time, and such eclecticism could just as well be the template for the Velvet Underground. Jeremy Lybarger, The New Republic, 17 Oct. 2023 The partners describe it as an attempt to combine some of the appealing traits of a traditional food court, particularly the a la carte eclecticism, while offering table service and the convenience of a consolidated payment system. Lawrence Specker | Lspecker@al.com, al, 11 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eclecticism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

eclectic entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eclecticism was in 1798

Dictionary Entries Near eclecticism

Cite this Entry

“Eclecticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eclecticism. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

eclecticism

noun
eclec·​ti·​cism -ˈklek-tə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce eclecticism (audio)
1
: a theory or practice (as of medicine or psychotherapy) that combines doctrines or methods (as therapeutic procedures) from diverse sources
2
: a system of medicine once popular in the United States that depended on plant remedies

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