Word
eclectic
Phoneticseclec·tic
US/ɪˈkɫɛktɪk/
UK/ɪklˈɛktɪk/
Definitions
01diverse sources
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. choosing or including the best parts from many different styles or ideas.
adj. deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. Often carries a positive connotation of being curated or sophisticated.
“The restaurant has an eclectic menu that features food from five different countries.”
“Her eclectic taste in literature was evident from the bookshelves, which held everything from ancient Greek philosophy to modern science fiction.”
Usage
Typically used to describe collections, tastes, or styles rather than people's physical characteristics.
Antonyms
02philosophical method
C2 · Proficiency Academic · Formal
adj. in philosophy, choosing the best parts of different systems instead of following only one.
adj. relating to a method of thought that does not follow any one system, but selects from various systems what are considered the best elements.
“The professor took an eclectic approach to the problem, using both science and history.”
“The architect’s eclectic style drew heavily from both Gothic revival and modernist principles, creating a unique structural dialogue.”
Usage
Often appears in academic contexts regarding theory or methodology.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a person
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal
n. a person who uses many different styles or ideas.
n. a person who derives ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
“As an eclectic, he refused to join any single political party.”
“He was a true eclectic, surrounding himself with art and music from every continent and era.”
Real-World Examples
“Anders Hillborg ’s stylistically eclectic work resists easy categorisation as these three rewarding works, performed by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, demonstrate.” “Her taste in poems was eclectic and very original; one didn’t always share it, but it was never predictable or dull.” Etymology
From French éclectique, from Ancient Greek ἐκλεκτικός (eklektikós, “selective”), from ἐκλέγω (eklégō, “I pick, choose”), from ἐκ (ek, “out, from”) + λέγω (légō, “I choose, count”). Cognate to elect.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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