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.

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.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“The eccentric billionaire decided to wear pajamas to the board meeting.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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