Eclectic
/ɪˈklɛktɪk/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Eclectic describes something or someone that mixes different styles, ideas, or influences from various places or times. It is often used to talk about art, music, fashion, or ways of thinking that do not follow just one rule or tradition but combine many different parts.
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See It in Action
Mixing different styles or ideas
- •Her eclectic taste in music includes jazz, rock, and classical.
- •The artist’s eclectic style combines modern and traditional techniques.
- •The restaurant offers an eclectic menu with dishes from around the world.
Someone who chooses ideas from many sources
- •He has an eclectic approach to learning, using books, videos, and real experiences.
- •The teacher’s eclectic methods help students with different learning styles.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "eclectic" like "mix," but a special mix that carefully picks the best from many places, not just any mix.
- ✓Picture a room decorated with furniture from many countries and times, all together in one space.
- ✓It's the feeling when you listen to a playlist with many music types, from rock to classical to jazz.
- ✓Sounds like "I-LECT-ic" → imagine someone selecting (like "elect") different things to make a unique collection.
- ✓Think of a chef who uses spices from different countries to make a new, interesting dish.
- ✓NOT like "uniform" (all the same)—eclectic means very different things combined.
- ✓NOT like "random" (no order)—eclectic means chosen carefully from many options.
- ✓NOT like "simple" (one style)—eclectic is complex and varied.
Try Other Words
- •Diverse: showing many different kinds or types (Use when emphasizing variety rather than choice)
- •Varied: including many different types (Use when talking about many types but less about careful selection)
- •Assorted: a group of different things collected together (Use for physical collections more than ideas or styles)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Greek "eklektikos" meaning "selective" (from "eklegein," to select)
- •Etymology: Greek origin, passed into English in the 17th century meaning choosing the best from different sources
- •Historical development: Originally used in philosophy to describe thinkers who chose ideas from many schools
- •Modern usage: Used broadly for anything combining different styles, ideas, or tastes in a thoughtful way
- •Interesting fact: Eclectic is often used positively to show creativity and open-mindedness
Reflect & Connect
•How can being eclectic help someone learn or create new things?
•Can something be too eclectic? When might mixing too many styles cause confusion?
Fill in the blanks
1.Her eclectic taste in music includes ___ jazz, rock, and classical ___ styles.
2.The designer’s eclectic style ___ different cultural influences ___ a unique look.
3.Unlike a uniform style, eclectic means carefully choosing ___ from many options ___.
4.An eclectic approach to learning uses ___ books, videos, and experiences ___.
5.The room’s eclectic decoration shows ___ from many countries ___ different times.
6.Eclectic is not random; it means ___ selecting the best ___ many sources.
7.When someone has an eclectic collection, it usually means they have ___ things from various places ___.