Eccentric vs. Idiocentric — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
Eccentric often describes behavior or personalities that deviate from societal norms in a noticeable, quirky way, while idiocentric refers to an individualistic approach or mindset that prioritizes personal needs and values.
Difference Between Eccentric and Idiocentric
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Eccentric behavior typically stands out due to its unusual or nonconformist nature, capturing attention for its deviation from what is considered typical or normal. On the other hand, idiocentric pertains to a personality trait where individuals prioritize their own goals, desires, and values over those of the group or societal norms. This term is often used in psychology to describe a self-centered orientation.
While eccentrics might engage in peculiar activities or display unique habits publicly without much concern for social approval, idiocentric individuals might not display such outward peculiarities but will focus on self-direction and independence in their decision-making. Both terms involve a degree of deviation from social expectations, but their manifestations and motivations differ.
Eccentricity can often be perceived positively, as it may involve creativity and a refreshing disregard for convention. Whereas idiocentrism can sometimes be seen in a negative light, especially when it leads to selfish behavior or a lack of cooperation within a community or team setting.
Eccentrics often gain a reputation for being harmless and amusingly unconventional, which can lead to social endearment. Idiocentric individuals, however, might struggle with relationships if their self-focus is perceived as uncaring or aloof.
Eccentric personalities are frequently celebrated in various forms of media and culture, highlighting their nonconformity as a trait of unique individuals. Idiocentric personalities, while also capable of achieving great personal success, are often discussed in the context of psychological studies concerning personality and social behavior.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Deviating from the norm in odd ways
Prioritizing personal needs and goals
Public Perception
Often viewed as quirky and likable
Sometimes seen as selfish or aloof
Behavior Manifestation
Noticeably unusual or quirky behavior
Self-directed, independent behavior
Social Impact
Can be socially endearing
Can impact social relationships
Cultural Representation
Celebrated in media and culture
Examined in psychological contexts
Compare with Definitions
Eccentric
Not situated at the center.
The eccentric orbit of the planet caused unusual climate patterns.
Idiocentric
Prioritizing personal goals over group goals.
He made an idiocentric decision that benefited himself at the expense of others.
Eccentric
Deviating from a circular form.
The eccentric wheel caused the cart to wobble.
Idiocentric
Having an independent or unique viewpoint.
Her idiocentric approach to the problem brought unexpected results.
Eccentric
A mechanical device that is off-center, affecting the motion of other parts.
The engineer adjusted the eccentric to modify the engine's timing.
Idiocentric
Characterized by or resulting from individualism.
Idiocentric tendencies often lead to innovative but isolated efforts.
Eccentric
Straying from conventional behavior.
She had an eccentric habit of talking to her plants every morning.
Idiocentric
Focused on one's own internal values rather than societal expectations.
Her idiocentric lifestyle was in contrast to the community-focused culture.
Eccentric
A person of unconventional and slightly strange views or behavior.
The eccentric artist never wore shoes, regardless of the weather.
Idiocentric
Centered on oneself, often disregarding norms or others.
His idiocentric view made teamwork challenging.
Eccentric
(of a person or their behaviour) unconventional and slightly strange
He noted her eccentric appearance
Idiocentric
Characterized by or denoting interest centered upon oneself or one's own ways, rather than upon others or the ways of others; self-centered.
Eccentric
Not placed centrally or not having its axis or other part placed centrally
A servo driving an eccentric cam
Idiocentric
Deviating from the norm; eccentric.
Eccentric
A person of unconventional and slightly strange views or behaviour
He's seen as a local eccentric
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.
Eccentric
Departing from a recognized, conventional, or established norm or pattern.
Eccentric
Deviating from a circular form or path, as in an elliptical orbit.
Eccentric
Not having the same center
Eccentric circles.
Eccentric
Having the axis located elsewhere than at the geometric center.
Eccentric
One that deviates markedly from an established norm, especially a person of odd or unconventional behavior.
Eccentric
(Physics) A disk or wheel having its axis of revolution displaced from its center so that it is capable of imparting reciprocating motion.
Eccentric
Not at or in the centre; away from the centre.
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 someone be both eccentric and idiocentric?
Yes, it's possible for someone to display both unconventional behaviors and a self-centered approach.
What is the primary distinction between eccentric and idiocentric?
Eccentric behavior is visibly unusual and quirky, while idiocentric behavior focuses on self-interest and personal values.
What negative aspects can idiocentrism bring?
It can lead to perceived selfishness and difficulties in social cooperation or relationships.
How are eccentric individuals perceived in society?
They are often seen as quirky and amusing, sometimes gaining social endearment for their unique traits.
How can one manage idiocentric tendencies in a communal setting?
It involves balancing personal goals with the needs of the group and developing empathy and cooperation skills.
What fields study idiocentric behaviors?
Psychology, particularly personality psychology, often studies idiocentric traits and their effects on behavior and social interactions.
How does idiocentric behavior affect teamwork?
It can complicate teamwork as idiocentric individuals prioritize personal goals, which might not align with team objectives.
Are eccentricities linked to creativity?
Yes, eccentric individuals are frequently considered creative for their unconventional thinking and behavior.
Can idiocentric tendencies be beneficial?
Yes, they can lead to independence and innovation, though they might also isolate individuals from others.
What motivates eccentric behavior?
Often, it is not a conscious choice but rather a natural divergence from societal norms that reflects an individual's unique personality.
How does society typically react to idiocentric individuals?
Reactions can vary, but idiocentric individuals might be viewed as aloof or self-involved, affecting their social relationships.
Is eccentricity always visible?
Generally, yes, eccentricities are often outwardly noticeable through peculiar actions or habits.
Do idiocentrists always disregard others?
Not necessarily, but their primary focus is typically on their own needs and values, which can sometimes lead to disregarding others.
What are typical examples of eccentric behavior?
Unusual dress, peculiar hobbies, or atypical social conduct are common examples.
Is being eccentric considered a psychological disorder?
No, eccentricity alone is not a disorder, though it can be a characteristic of certain personality styles or disorders.
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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.
