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Eclectically: meaning, definitions and examples

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eclectically

 

[ ɪˈklɛktɪkli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

varied selection

Eclectically refers to a manner of doing something that draws on a diverse range of sources or styles. It is often used to describe an approach that incorporates elements from various schools of thought, art styles, or philosophies. The term suggests a curated or selective combination of different influences, resulting in a unique and multi-faceted outcome. This approach is common in fields such as music, art, and design, where blending different genres or techniques can create innovative results.

Synonyms

assortedly, diversely, variously

Examples of usage

  • She decorates her home eclectically with vintage furniture and modern art.
  • His playlist is curated eclectically, featuring everything from classical to hip-hop.
  • The restaurant serves eclectically inspired dishes from around the world.

Translations

Translations of the word "eclectically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eclético

🇮🇳 इक्लेक्टिकली

🇩🇪 eklektisch

🇮🇩 eklektik

🇺🇦 еклектично

🇵🇱 eklektycznie

🇯🇵 エクレクティックに

🇫🇷 éclectiquement

🇪🇸 eclécticamente

🇹🇷 eklektik olarak

🇰🇷 에클렉틱하게

🇸🇦 انتقائيًا

🇨🇿 eklekticky

🇸🇰 eklekticky

🇨🇳 折衷地

🇸🇮 eklektično

🇮🇸 eklektískt

🇰🇿 эклектикалық

🇬🇪 ეკლექტიკურად

🇦🇿 eklektik olaraq

🇲🇽 eclécticamente

Etymology

The term 'eclectically' is derived from the word 'eclectic', which has its roots in the Greek word 'eklektikos', meaning 'selective' or 'choosing'. 'Eklektikos' itself is formed from 'eklekt', which means 'to choose', and 'legein', meaning 'to gather' or 'to speak'. The concept has been present in philosophy since the days of the ancient Greeks, where it referred to philosophers who selected and combined the best ideas from various existing doctrines. In art and literature, the term started to gain more traction during the 19th century as artists and authors began to embrace multiple influences, leading to the eclectic movements observed in modern and contemporary styles. The adverb 'eclectically' emerged as a linguistic extension to describe actions or approaches characterized by this principle of diversity and selection.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,601, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.