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eccentric — behaving in a way that is unusual and different from most people

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: behaving in a way that is unusual and different from most people

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪkˈsentrɪk/

Example Sentences

  • My eccentric aunt collects rubber ducks and names each one after a famous philosopher.
  • The eccentric artist painted portraits using only ketchup and mustard.
  • Steve Jobs was known for his eccentric perfectionism and attention to detail.

eccentric

ADJECTIVE

[/ɪkˈsentrɪk/]

behaving in a way that is unusual and different from most people

The eccentric inventor built a flying bicycle that amazed the whole town.
💡 Concept

The eccentric inventor built a flying bicycle that amazed the whole town.

The eccentric artist proudly painted purple trees and blue clouds. (Think of off-center. → An eccentric person doesn't stay in the center like everyone else.)
🧠 Mnemonic

The eccentric artist proudly painted purple trees and blue clouds. (Think of off-center. → An eccentric person doesn't stay in the center like everyone else.)

The eccentric inventor built an electric machine that everyone thought was fantastic.
🎵 Rhyme

The eccentric inventor built an electric machine that everyone thought was fantastic.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪkˈsentrɪk/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪkˈsentrɪk/

🌳Etymology

Prefixec--
Rootcentr
Suffix--ic

Origin

From Medieval Latin 'eccentricus', derived from Greek 'ekkentros' meaning 'out of center'. The prefix 'ec-' (out) combines with 'centrum' (center), originally referring to orbits that deviate from a central point in astronomy before extending to describe unusual behavior.

Breakdown

ec- (out) + -centric (from centrum, center) + -ic (adjective suffix) = eccentric (deviating from the center or from usual patterns)

🎵Rhyme

electric
geometric
atmospheric

🔗Collocations

eccentric behavior
eccentric character
eccentric millionaire
slightly eccentric
eccentric habits
eccentric genius

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My eccentric aunt collects rubber ducks and names each one after a famous philosopher.”

😄 Fun example

“The eccentric artist painted portraits using only ketchup and mustard.”

“Steve Jobs was known for his eccentric perfectionism and attention to detail.”

😄 Fun example

“The eccentric billionaire decided to wear pajamas to the board meeting.”

📚Related Words

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