1
Core quality
Drawing ideas, styles, or elements from a wide and diverse range of sources.
Example
The gallery holds an eclectic collection of modern and traditional art.
eclectic
/ɪˈklektɪk/ · ih-KLEK-tikadjective
Drawing ideas, styles, or elements from a wide and diverse range of sources.
Use eclectic to express this relationship precisely: drawing ideas, styles, or elements from a wide and diverse range of sources.
What eclectic Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Her music reflects eclectic influences.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
An eclectic reading list exposed students to several disciplines.
Use eclectic Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The gallery holds an eclectic collection of modern and traditional art.
Her music reflects eclectic influences.
An eclectic reading list exposed students to several disciplines.
Precision Matters
Eclectic overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
eclectic
vs.Means drawing ideas, styles, or elements from a wide and diverse range of sources.
disparate
Means fundamentally different from one another.
eclectic
vs.Means drawing ideas, styles, or elements from a wide and diverse range of sources.
conventional
Means based on established practice, tradition, or general acceptance.
eclectic
vs.Means drawing ideas, styles, or elements from a wide and diverse range of sources.
singular
Means remarkably unusual, exceptional, or unique in character.
eclectic
vs.Means drawing ideas, styles, or elements from a wide and diverse range of sources.
multifaceted
Means having many aspects or dimensions.
Test eclectic in Context
The menu draws from a broad and diverse range of sources.
1
The restaurant's ___ menu combines regional dishes with techniques borrowed from five different culinary traditions.