Eclectic
/ɪˈklɛk.tɪk/noun
Selecting ideas, styles, or elements from a broad range of sources.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek philosophers who called themselves eklektikoi—thinkers who 'picked out' the best ideas from different schools instead of pledging loyalty to just one.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
eklektikos
“selective; choosing out”
Ancient Greek
Greek
eklegein
“to pick out, choose”
Late Latin
Latin
eclecticus
“eclectic, selecting the best from various doctrines”
17th Century
English
eclectic
“selecting what seems best from various sources, especially in philosophy”
Modern English
English
eclectic
“made up of a mixture of sources or styles”