Practice Eccentric with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

Study with flashcards, practice spelling, then take a quiz to check your understanding:

Adventurous and Wandering

Choose an activity:

Fashion and Flamboyance

Choose an activity:

Imagination and Ingenuity

Choose an activity:

Anomaly and Difference

Choose an activity:

Variety and Diversity

Choose an activity:

Innovation and Inception

Choose an activity:

Astonish and Outlandish

Choose an activity:

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

eccentric

Eccentric (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ɪkˈsɛntrɪk/

What does eccentric mean?

Unconventional, peculiar, or characterized by behaviors, ideas, or styles that deviate from the expected or customary norms.
"The eccentric artist's paintings were considered strange and abstract."

Detailed Meaning of Eccentric

When someone or something is characterized as eccentric, it implies a unique and often idiosyncratic approach to life, appearance, or thought. Eccentric individuals may display unusual habits, dress in unconventional ways, or hold unconventional beliefs that set them apart from the mainstream. This term can also be applied to objects or designs that are unconventional or strikingly different from the norm. "Eccentric" underscores the idea of deviation from societal or conventional expectations, often celebrating individuality and nonconformity in a distinctive and often endearing manner.

Example Sentences for Eccentric

1. The eccentric artist was known for creating unconventional and abstract sculptures.
2. His eccentric sense of fashion always turned heads wherever he went.
3. The millionaire lived in an eccentric mansion filled with bizarre decorations.
4. The professor had an eccentric teaching style that captivated his students.
5. The inventor's eccentric ideas led to groundbreaking technological advancements.
6. The town was home to an eccentric hermit who rarely interacted with others.

Origin and Etymology of Eccentric

The adjective 'eccentric' has its etymological roots in Late Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'eccentricus,' which originally meant 'off-center' or 'out of the center.' In the context of language and behavior, 'eccentric' implies deviating from the usual or customary norms, often in unconventional or peculiar ways. The term suggests that the person or thing described as 'eccentric' has a unique or unconventional approach to life, ideas, or style that sets them apart from the mainstream or the expected. 'Eccentric' individuals are often seen as having a distinctive and sometimes quirky personality, with behaviors and ideas that are refreshingly different, though sometimes unconventional enough to be considered unusual or peculiar by societal standards.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective eccentric:

ordinary

conventional

quirky

typical

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Eccentric

1. Her eccentric laughter echoed through the room, bringing smiles to everyone's faces.
2. The novel's characters were a collection of eccentric personalities, each with their quirks.
3. The scientist's eccentric theories challenged established scientific norms.
4. The antique shop was a treasure trove of eccentric artifacts from different eras.
5. The chef's eccentric menu featured unusual food pairings that delighted adventurous diners.
6. The eccentric entrepreneur launched a series of unconventional business ventures.
7. The mansion's eccentric owner was known for hosting extravagant parties.
8. The author's writing style was both whimsical and eccentric, drawing readers in.
9. The eccentric musician played an array of unconventional instruments in his performances.
10. The artist's eccentric use of colors and shapes created visually striking paintings.
11. The inventor's eccentric gadgets were often met with skepticism before proving their utility.
12. The town's annual festival was a celebration of eccentric traditions and customs.
13. The professor's eccentric lectures were a mix of humor, anecdotes, and profound insights.
14. Despite his eccentric personality, he was a kind-hearted and generous individual.