An eclectic collection of objects, ideas, or beliefs is wide-ranging and comes from many different sources.
[formal]
...an eclectic collection of paintings, drawings, and prints.
Synonyms: diverse, general, broad, varied More Synonyms of eclectic
eclectic in British English
(ɪˈklɛktɪk, ɛˈklɛk-)
adjective
1.
(in art, philosophy, etc) selecting what seems best from various styles, doctrines, ideas, methods, etc
2.
composed of elements drawn from a variety of sources, styles, etc
noun
3.
a person who favours an eclectic approach, esp in art or philosophy
Derived forms
eclectically (ecˈlectically)
adverb
Word origin
C17: from Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from legein to gather
eclectic in American English
(ɛkˈlɛktɪk)
adjective
1.
selecting from various systems, doctrines, or sources
2.
composed of material gathered from various sources, systems, etc.
noun
3.
a person who uses eclectic methods in philosophy, science, or art
Derived forms
eclectically (ecˈlectically)
adverb
Word origin
Gr eklektikos < eklegein, to select < ek-, out + legein, to choose, pick: see logic
Examples of 'eclectic' in a sentence
eclectic
The interior is an eclectic mix of reclaimed wooden floors and antique furnishings.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Expect freestanding baths, plush linens and an eclectic mix of rustic furnishings.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Live auctions take place as guests bid on an eclectic mix of items, all with a story behind them.
The Sun (2016)
Yes, it's an eclectic mix for investors.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Jobs found an eclectic collection of students.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The programme features an eclectic mix of comics.
The Sun (2010)
Each one has an ensuite bathroom with an eclectic range of antique baths.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
You have an eclectic approach to music.
The Sun (2008)
My parents had an eclectic bunch of friends.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He bought the car to add to his eclectic collection of vehicles.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Another website offering a similarly eclectic range of products to rent is uk.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The ethnic bag and layers over trousers suggest an offbeat and eclectic approach.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The collection is an eclectic viewpoint which reflects the diversity of the whole city from all walks of life.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Our grand plan is that this will be the ideal place for her to justify her own eclectic taste in design.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
All the other people with unique, eclectic taste were just fashion victims.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This year's intake will be an eclectic bunch.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It is an eclectic, vibrant mix that has given the club a global profile.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The beachside restaurants serve an eclectic range of cuisine, naturally specialising in seafood.
The Sun (2007)
As well as the coaching staff, there has been an eclectic bunch of people.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
A very eclectic mix of party people.
The Sun (2015)
We all have similarly eclectic music tastes and are happy to put anything on the album as long as we think it has great melodies.
The Sun (2011)
Seeing these large paintings grouped together and displayed as they might have looked in the royal apartment provides another insight into the eclectic royal taste.
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
I think this is one of our most eclectic line-ups yet.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
As usual, a somewhat randomly eclectic line-up.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Instead, they are reflecting the eclectic range of their own neighbourhoods, families andrecord collections.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In other languages
eclectic
British English: eclectic ADJECTIVE
An eclectic collection of objects, ideas, or beliefs is wide-ranging and comes from many different sources.
...an eclectic collection of paintings, drawings, and prints.
American English: eclectic
Brazilian Portuguese: eclético
Chinese: 兼收并蓄的
European Spanish: ecléctico
French: éclectique
German: eklektisch
Italian: eclettico
Japanese: 多方面の
Korean: 폭넓은
European Portuguese: eclético
Latin American Spanish: ecléctico
(adjective)
Definition
selecting elements from a wide range of styles, ideas, or sources
an eclectic collection of exhibits
Synonyms
diverse
shops selling a diverse range of gifts
general
His firm took over general maintenance of the park last summer.
broad
A broad range of issues was discussed.
varied
a varied range of dishes suitable for vegetarians
comprehensive
The book is a comprehensive guide to the region.
extensive
wide-ranging
a package of wide-ranging economic reforms
selective
diversified
manifold (formal)
The difficulties are manifold.
heterogeneous
the heterogeneous society of today
catholic
He was a man of catholic tastes, enjoying music and fine arts of all kinds.
all-embracing
liberal
a liberal translation
many-sided
multifarious
a composite of multifarious religions and people
dilettantish
Additional synonyms
in the sense of broad
Definition
extensive
A broad range of issues was discussed.
Synonyms
full,
general,
comprehensive,
complete,
wide,
global,
catholic,
sweeping,
extensive,
wide-ranging,
umbrella,
thorough,
unlimited,
inclusive,
far-reaching,
exhaustive,
all-inclusive,
all-embracing,
overarching,
encyclopedic
in the sense of catholic
Definition
(of tastes or interests) covering a wide range
He was a man of catholic tastes, enjoying music and fine arts of all kinds.