eclectic
ih-KLEK-tik
/ɪˈklek.tɪk/
Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
Implies deliberate, tasteful selection from many traditions rather than random gathering.
The story behind the word. From Ancient Greek 'eklektikos' (selective), built from 'ek' (out) and 'legein' (to select or choose). In ancient Greece, the Eclectics were philosophers who refused to attach themselves to any single school, picking what they judged best from Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics.
Word relationships
- catholic: Catholic (lowercase) means universal and wide-ranging; eclectic stresses selective picking from multiple sources.
- diverse: Diverse simply means containing varied things; eclectic means actively chosen from varied sources.
- dogmatic: Dogmatic strictly adheres to a single rigid doctrine.
- narrow: Narrow restricts choices to a single limited tradition.
Commonly confused with
- esoteric: Esoteric means understood by only a select few; eclectic means gathered from many diverse sources.
Word family
- eclecticism (noun): The practice of selecting from various systems or sources.
- eclectically (adverb): In an eclectic manner.
Collocations
- eclectic mix
- eclectic taste
- eclectic approach
Example sentences
- "Her spirituality was intentionally eclectic, blending Stoic philosophy, Buddhist meditation, and Quaker silence." Description of personal spiritual belief.
- "The shrine featured an eclectic mix of Byzantine domes and Gothic arches." Architectural criticism.
Memory hook
SELECT-ic: An ECLECTIC person SELECTS the best bits from everywhere. Picking out the best bits.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'chaotic' or 'sloppy'; eclectic implies thoughtful selection.
Fun facts
- In the nineteenth century, 'Eclectic Medicine' was a legitimate medical branch in the US that selected herbal remedies from Native American and European traditions.
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