Eccentricity: meaning, definitions and examples
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eccentricity
[ɪkˌsɛnˈtrɪsɪti ]
Definitions
personality trait
Eccentricity refers to the quality of being unconventional or slightly strange. It often involves behavior that is different from what is considered normal or expected.
Synonyms
oddity, peculiarity, quirkiness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| eccentricity |
This term is best used to describe unusual or unconventional behavior, especially when it stands out in a noticeable way. It often carries a slightly formal tone.
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| oddity |
This word is used to refer to something or someone that is strange or unusual, often in a surprising or curious way. It can sometimes carry a mild negative connotation.
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| quirkiness |
This word is used in a more light-hearted and affectionate way to describe endearing or amusing oddities in a person's behavior or appearance.
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| peculiarity |
This term describes something that is characteristic to a particular person, place, or thing, often highlighting its uniqueness. It can be either positive or negative.
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Examples of usage
- She is known for her eccentricity, always wearing brightly colored clothes.
- His eccentricity shines through in his unique artwork.
mathematics
In mathematics, eccentricity is a measure of how much a conic section, such as an ellipse or a hyperbola, deviates from being circular.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| eccentricity |
Use 'eccentricity' to describe unusual or odd behavior or characteristics, often in a quirky or charming way.
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| deviation |
Use 'deviation' to refer to a departure from a standard, norm, or expected course, typically used in technical or statistical contexts.
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| elongation |
Use 'elongation' to describe the process of something becoming longer, often in scientific or technical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The eccentricity of this ellipse is 0.5, making it more elongated than a circle.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Greek 'ekkentros', meaning 'out of the center,' reflecting how it describes things that deviate from the norm.
- It was first used in English in the 17th century to describe peculiar behaviors or characteristics.
- The term evolved in various fields, including mathematics and psychology, encapsulating both literal and figurative differences.
Psychology
- In psychology, eccentricity can be viewed as a sign of creativity and individuality, often linked to artistic expression.
- Some studies suggest that people who exhibit eccentric behaviors may possess higher intelligence, as they think outside typical patterns.
- Eccentricity can serve as a coping mechanism for individuals feeling out of place or misunderstood in conventional settings.
Pop Culture
- Many famous artists, like Salvador Dalí, are celebrated for their eccentric lifestyles and unconventional approaches to their work.
- In literature, characters with eccentric traits, such as Sherlock Holmes, often stand out for their quirky behaviors that make them memorable.
- Eccentric figures in film, like Willy Wonka from 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,' celebrate uniqueness, showing how different can be delightful.
Fashion
- Eccentricity can be a powerful force in fashion, with designers pushing boundaries to create bold, unconventional styles.
- Iconic fashionistas like Lady Gaga have embraced eccentric attire to make statements about individuality and self-expression.
- The punk movement epitomized eccentric fashion, disrupting norms and allowing personal identity to shine through unusual clothing choices.
Science
- In astronomy, eccentricity measures how much an orbit deviates from being circular; the more eccentric it is, the more elongated the orbit.
- Some eccentricities in nature, such as peculiar species adaptations, illustrate how diversity contributes to ecological balance.
- The concept of eccentricity also applies in various fields of science, leading to unique findings and breakthroughs generated by unconventional thinking.
Translations
Translations of the word "eccentricity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 excentricidade
🇮🇳 विचित्रता
🇩🇪 Exzentrizität
🇮🇩 keanehan
🇺🇦 ексцентричність
🇵🇱 ekscentryczność
🇯🇵 風変わり
🇫🇷 excentricité
🇪🇸 excentricidad
🇹🇷 eksantriklik
🇰🇷 기이함
🇸🇦 غَرابة
🇨🇿 excentricita
🇸🇰 excentricita
🇨🇳 古怪
🇸🇮 ekscentričnost
🇮🇸 sérviska
🇰🇿 эксцентричность
🇬🇪 ექსცენტრიულობა
🇦🇿 eksantriklik
🇲🇽 excentricidad