What does eclectic mean?

It is an adjective and a noun and is deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

How do you pronounce it?

ɪˈklɛktɪk/

or

[ih-klek-tik]

Where does it come from?

The term comes from the Greek ἐκλεκτικός (eklektikos), literally “choosing the best”, and that from ἐκλεκτός (eklektos), “picked out, select”. Well known eclectics in Greek philosophy were the Stoics Panaetius and Posidonius, and the New Academics Carneades and Philo of Larissa. Among the Romans, Cicero was thoroughly eclectic, as he united the Peripatetic, Stoic, and New Academic doctrines. Other eclectics included Varro and Seneca.

How do you use it?

I want to go to a university that offers an eclectic mix of classes.

I like her eclectic taste in clothes. She’s a mix of hip-hop, bohemian and hipster.