Eccentric vs. Eclectic — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 2, 2024
Eccentric describes unusual behavior or oddness in personality, while eclectic refers to a wide-ranging and diverse approach to ideas or styles.
Difference Between Eccentric and Eclectic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Eccentricity often relates to behavior or personality that deviates from societal norms, highlighting an individual's distinctive character or oddities. On the other hand, being eclectic involves drawing from various sources, demonstrating a preference for diversity and a mix of styles, whether in art, philosophy, or lifestyle.
While eccentric people are sometimes perceived as quirky or unconventional due to their unique viewpoints or lifestyles, eclectic individuals are characterized by their broad interests and ability to appreciate different aspects from various sources. This breadth often leads to eclectic individuals being seen as open-minded and versatile.
Eccentricity can be inherent to a person’s nature, showcasing a natural deviation from the expected or ordinary, whereas eclecticism is a deliberate choice, reflecting a conscious decision to explore and incorporate a wide range of influences or ideas.
In the realm of fashion or personal style, eccentricity might manifest in unusual or striking clothing choices that reflect a person's unique sense of self, while an eclectic style might combine elements from different time periods, cultures, or fashion trends in a cohesive manner.
Despite their differences, both eccentricity and eclecticism share a departure from the mainstream, celebrating uniqueness and diversity. Eccentrics stand out due to their singular nature or behavior, while eclectics draw from a multitude of sources to create something uniquely theirs.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Deviating from the norm in behavior or appearance.
Drawing from multiple sources or styles.
Nature
Inherent personality trait or behavior.
Deliberate choice or approach.
Perception
Often viewed as quirky or unusual.
Seen as open-minded and versatile.
Manifestation
In personal behavior or lifestyle.
In preferences or creations (art, music, etc.)
Relation to Mainstream
Distinct separation from the norm.
Combines elements from various mainstreams.
Compare with Definitions
Eccentric
Deviation from usual.
His eccentric habit of talking to plants surprises many.
Eclectic
Wide-ranging in interests.
He is known for his eclectic collection of vintage cars and modern art.
Eccentric
Characteristically unique.
The eccentric artist used unconventional materials in her sculptures.
Eclectic
Inclusively diverse.
The festival's eclectic lineup features music genres from around the world.
Eccentric
Unconventionally odd.
Wearing a top hat to a casual beach party is considered eccentric.
Eclectic
Derived from diverse sources.
Her eclectic taste in books includes everything from classical literature to modern sci-fi.
Eccentric
Quirkiness.
Her eccentric taste in music ranges from opera to punk rock.
Eclectic
Combining elements from varied styles.
The restaurant’s eclectic decor blends rustic charm with contemporary chic.
Eccentric
Out of the ordinary.
Living in a converted lighthouse is an eccentric lifestyle choice.
Eclectic
Selection of what appears best.
An eclectic approach to learning incorporates methods from various educational philosophies.
Eccentric
(of a person or their behaviour) unconventional and slightly strange
He noted her eccentric appearance
Eclectic
Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles
An eclectic taste in music.
An eclectic approach to managing the economy.
Eccentric
Not placed centrally or not having its axis or other part placed centrally
A servo driving an eccentric cam
Eclectic
Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources
"a popular bar patronized by an eclectic collection of artists, writers, secretaries and aging soldiers on reserve duty" (Curtis Wilkie).
Eccentric
A person of unconventional and slightly strange views or behaviour
He's seen as a local eccentric
Eclectic
One that follows an eclectic method.
Eccentric
A disc or wheel mounted eccentrically on a revolving shaft in order to transform rotation into backward-and-forward motion, e.g. a cam in an internal combustion engine.
Eclectic
Selecting a mixture of what appears to be best of various doctrines, methods or styles.
Eccentric
Departing from a recognized, conventional, or established norm or pattern.
Eclectic
Unrelated and unspecialized; heterogeneous.
Eccentric
Deviating from a circular form or path, as in an elliptical orbit.
Eclectic
Someone who selects according to the eclectic method.
Eccentric
Not having the same center
Eccentric circles.
Eclectic
Selecting; choosing (what is true or excellent in doctrines, opinions, etc.) from various sources or systems; as, an eclectic philosopher.
Eccentric
Having the axis located elsewhere than at the geometric center.
Eclectic
Consisting, or made up, of what is chosen or selected; as, an eclectic method; an eclectic magazine.
Eccentric
One that deviates markedly from an established norm, especially a person of odd or unconventional behavior.
Eclectic
One who follows an eclectic method.
Eccentric
(Physics) A disk or wheel having its axis of revolution displaced from its center so that it is capable of imparting reciprocating motion.
Eclectic
Someone who selects according to the eclectic method
Eccentric
Not at or in the centre; away from the centre.
Eclectic
Selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
Eccentric
Not perfectly circular; elliptical.
As of 2008, Margaret had the most eccentric orbit of any moon in the solar system, though Nereid's mean eccentricity is greater.
Eccentric
Having a different center; not concentric.
Eccentric
(of a person) Deviating from the norm; behaving unexpectedly or differently; unconventional and slightly strange.
Eccentric
Against or in the opposite direction of contraction of a muscle (such as results from flexion of the lower arm (bending of the elbow joint) by an external force while contracting the triceps and other elbow extensor muscles to control that movement; opening of the jaw while flexing the masseter).
Eccentric
Having different goals or motives.
Eccentric
One who does not behave like others.
Eccentric
(slang) A kook; a person of bizarre habits or beliefs.
Eccentric
(geometry) A circle not having the same centre as another.
Eccentric
(engineering) A disk or wheel with its axis off centre, giving a reciprocating motion.
Eccentric
(physiology) An exercise that goes against or in the opposite direction of contraction of a muscle.
Eccentric
Deviating or departing from the center, or from the line of a circle; as, an eccentric or elliptical orbit; pertaining to deviation from the center or from true circular motion.
Eccentric
Not having the same center; - said of circles, ellipses, spheres, etc., which, though coinciding, either in whole or in part, as to area or volume, have not the same center; - opposed to concentric.
Eccentric
Pertaining to an eccentric; as, the eccentric rod in a steam engine.
Eccentric
Not coincident as to motive or end.
His own ends, which must needs be often eccentric to those of his master.
Eccentric
Deviating from stated methods, usual practice, or established forms or laws; deviating from an appointed sphere or way; departing from the usual course; irregular; anomalous; odd; as, eccentric conduct.
He shines eccentric, like a comet's blaze.
Eccentric
A circle not having the same center as another contained in some measure within the first.
Eccentric
One who, or that which, deviates from regularity; an anomalous or irregular person or thing.
Eccentric
In the Ptolemaic system, the supposed circular orbit of a planet about the earth, but with the earth not in its center.
Eccentric
A disk or wheel so arranged upon a shaft that the center of the wheel and that of the shaft do not coincide. It is used for operating valves in steam engines, and for other purposes. The motion derived is precisely that of a crank having the same throw.
Eccentric
A person with an unusual or odd personality
Eccentric
A person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities);
A real character
A strange character
A friendly eccentric
The capable type
A mental case
Eccentric
Conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual;
Restaurants of bizarre design--one like a hat, another like a rabbit
Famed for his eccentric spelling
A freakish combination of styles
His off-the-wall antics
The outlandish clothes of teenagers
Outre and affected stage antics
Eccentric
Not having a common center; not concentric;
Eccentric circles
Common Curiosities
Can a style be both eccentric and eclectic?
Yes, a style can be both, if it combines unusual elements with a diverse range of influences.
What makes a person eccentric?
An individual's unusual or unconventional behavior and appearance make them eccentric.
How does society view eccentric and eclectic individuals?
Society may view eccentrics as odd but often sees eclectics as innovative or cultured.
Can eccentric and eclectic be related?
While they describe different qualities, both can relate to uniqueness and diversity in choices and characteristics.
Is being eccentric a negative trait?
While it can lead to misunderstanding, eccentricity is not inherently negative and can be celebrated for its individuality.
How can one develop an eclectic style?
By exploring and incorporating diverse interests and influences into one’s own style or work.
What is the benefit of being eclectic?
It encourages openness to new experiences and ideas, fostering creativity and innovation.
Can eccentricity change over time?
An individual's eccentricities may evolve, but they often remain a core aspect of their personality.
Is there a limit to being eclectic?
The only limit to eclecticism is one's willingness to explore and integrate diverse elements.
Is eccentricity a choice?
Eccentricity is more often an inherent trait rather than a deliberate choice.
How do eclectics select their influences?
Eclectics deliberately choose influences from a broad range of sources, based on personal taste or value.
Are eccentric people always creative?
Not always, but eccentric individuals often have creative aspects due to their unique perspectives.
Does eclecticism imply a lack of originality?
No, eclecticism involves creatively merging different sources to produce something unique.
Why do people embrace eccentricity?
People embrace eccentricity for its expression of authenticity and individuality.
What challenges do eccentrics face?
Eccentrics may face social isolation or misunderstanding due to their unconventional behaviors.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
