eclectic

eclectic — adjective

1. drawing ideas, styles, or methods from many different sources rather than sticki

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

drawing ideas, styles, or methods from many different sources rather than sticking to one system or tradition

Example

The café's eclectic menu blends Korean, Italian, and Mexican dishes.

eclectic + menu demonstrating mix of cuisines

Rafael's eclectic library includes everything from ancient philosophy to graphic novels.

Common collocations
  • eclectic mix of
  • eclectic collection
  • eclectic taste
  • eclectic style
  • eclectic approach
  • eclectic selection
Synonyms
  • diverse

    stresses variety but does not imply selective judgment; more neutral in connotation

  • varied

    focuses on differences within a group; less deliberate than eclectic

  • catholic

    suggests broad tolerance and wide-ranging interests, often within a framework of taste or belief

  • wide-ranging

    emphasises scope rather than the act of selecting

Antonyms
  • narrow

    restricted in scope, style, or approach

  • homogeneous

    consisting of parts all of the same kind

  • monolithic

    large, uniform, and lacking variety or flexibility

Grammar Patterns

eclectic + noun

be + eclectic + (prepositional phrase)

Usage Note

Commonly describes collections, tastes, menus, and artistic or intellectual approaches. Carries a positive connotation of thoughtful selection rather than random variety.

Common Mistakes

The menu is eclectic, having many different kinds of food by accident.
The menu is eclectic, featuring carefully chosen dishes from different cuisines.
eclectic implies deliberate selection, not random assortment.
His taste is very eclectic because he likes everything.
His taste is eclectic
he picks favourites from jazz, classical, and electronic music.' — eclectic requires variety across sources, not universal approval.

eclectic — noun

Word family

  • eclectically
    adverbC1
  • eclecticism
    nounC1
  • eclecticist
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

While all these words describe the inclusion of many different elements, eclectic emphasises deliberate selection of the best or most useful from each source rather than mere variety. Diverse simply points to variety or difference among items. Varied suggests a mixture differing in form or character, without implying intentional choice. Catholic (in this sense) implies broad tolerance and wide-ranging interests, often within a system of taste or belief. Wide-ranging focuses on scope or coverage. An eclectic approach is chosen, not accidental: someone with an eclectic music collection has purposefully picked favourites across genres, whereas a varied collection may simply contain whatever came along.

diverse ↗varied ↗catholic ↗wide-ranging

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • eclectically

Phrases

  • eclectic mix of
  • eclectic taste in
  • eclectic approach to

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

From Greek eklektikos 'selective,' from eklegein 'to pick out, select,' from ex- 'out' + legein 'to gather, choose.' The philosophical sense — choosing what seems best from different systems — dates back to the 17th century in European languages.