Eclectic comes from the Greek adjective eklektikos, meaning “picking out, selecting what appears to be best,” which in turn comes from the verb eklegein, meaning “to select.”

ECLECTIC definition: selecting or choosing from various sources. See examples of eclectic used in a sentence.

Methods, beliefs, ideas, etc. that are eclectic combine whatever seem the best or most useful things from many different areas or systems, rather than following a single system:

Definition of eclectic adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. not following one style or set of ideas but choosing from or using a wide variety. She has very eclectic tastes in literature. His …

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.

Factsheet What does the word eclectic mean? There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word eclectic. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Jun 22, 2025 · eclectic (comparative more eclectic, superlative most eclectic) Selecting a mixture of what appears to be best of various doctrines, methods or styles. quotations