Eclectic — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /i-ˈklek-tik/ eclec·tic

Meaning & Definition of Eclectic

Eclectic (adjective)

  1. composed of elements drawn from a variety of sources; also, heterogeneous
  2. selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles

Eclectic (noun)

  1. one who uses a method or approach that is composed of elements drawn from various sources, one who uses an eclectic method or approach

Eclectic (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. consisting of many things of different sorts

    "the museum's eclectic collection has everything from a giraffe skeleton to medieval musical instruments"

    similar: assorted, heterogeneous, indiscriminate, kitchen-sink, magpie, miscellaneous, mixed, motley, patchwork, piebald, promiscuous, raggle-taggle, ragtag, varied
    related: manifold, multifarious, multiple, multiplex, myriad, disparate, divergent, diverse, sundry, various, chaotic, cluttered, confused, disarranged, disarrayed, disheveled, disordered, farraginous, jumbled, littered, messed, messy, muddled, amalgamated, blended, combined, commingled, commixed, conglomerated, fused, incorporated, intermingled, intermixed, merged, mingled, composite, conglomerate, hybrid, unclassified, unsorted
    opposite: homogeneous
    near: monolithic, uniform, alike, identical, like, same, distinct, distinctive, individual, separate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Eclectic

The most common words with a similar meaning to Eclectic:

assorted, heterogeneous, indiscriminate, kitchen-sink, magpie, miscellaneous, mixed, motley, patchwork, piebald, promiscuous, raggle-taggle, ragtag, varied

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Eclectic

Words with the opposite meaning of Eclectic:

homogeneous

Related Words for Eclectic

manifold, multifarious, multiple, multiplex, myriad, disparate, divergent, diverse, sundry, various, chaotic, cluttered, confused, disarranged, disarrayed, disheveled, disordered, farraginous, jumbled, littered, messed, messy, muddled, amalgamated, blended, combined, commingled, commixed, conglomerated, fused

Near Antonyms of Eclectic

monolithic, uniform, alike, identical, like, same, distinct, distinctive, individual, separate

Word Forms of Eclectic

Derived words: eclectically (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Eclectic

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:1 legend

First known use: 1683

Frequently Asked Questions about Eclectic

What does "Eclectic" mean?

"Eclectic" means composed of elements drawn from a variety of sources; also, heterogeneous. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: composed of elements drawn from a variety of sources; also, heterogeneous.

What is another word for "Eclectic"?

Other words for "Eclectic" include assorted, heterogeneous, indiscriminate, kitchen-sink, magpie, miscellaneous, mixed and motley. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Eclectic" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Eclectic"?

There are 54 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Eclectic". Common alternatives include assorted, heterogeneous, indiscriminate, kitchen-sink, magpie, miscellaneous, mixed, motley, patchwork and piebald.

What is the opposite of "Eclectic"?

Antonyms of "Eclectic" include homogeneous. Near antonyms include monolithic, uniform, alike and identical.

How do you use "Eclectic" in a sentence?

Examples of "Eclectic" in a sentence: "the museum's eclectic collection has everything from a giraffe skeleton to medieval musical instruments".

Is "Eclectic" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Eclectic" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Eclectic"?

"Eclectic" is pronounced /i-ˈklek-tik/ and divided into syllables as eclec·tic.

What is the origin of the word "Eclectic"?

"Eclectic" comes from 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:1 legend. First known use: 1683.