What does eccentric mean Meaning and Definition
What does eccentric mean?
Pronunciation
/ˈɪkˈsentrɪk/
Part of Speech
Adjective/Noun
Definition
A person or thing that is unusual or unconventional in manner or behavior; a person who is unusual or unpredictable in their behavior or habits.
Examples
- The eccentric billionaire lived in a mansion with a private zoo.
- The artist’s eccentric style drew attention to his work.
Synonyms
- Unconventional
- Irregular
- Quirky
Antonyms
Etymology
The word “eccentric” comes from the Latin “excentricus”, meaning “.deviant” or “out of the center”. It entered the English language in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
Judging someone as eccentric might be subjective and can be influenced by cultural and personal biases.
Cultural References
The phrase “eccentric millionaire” has been used in popular culture, such as in the film “The Muppet Treasure Island” (1996).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Eccentricity is often idiomatic, such as when referring to someone’s strange or unconventional behavior.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words include unconventional, irregular, and quirky, while phrases such as “bizarre behavior” or “odd habits” convey a similar meaning.
Collocations
Common collocations with “eccentric” include ” millionaire”, “artist”, “genius”, or ” eccentric lifestyle”.
Frequency of Use
The word “eccentric” is frequently used in everyday language to describe people’s unusual behavior or habits.
Common Misspellings
The most common misspellings of “eccentric” include “ecentric”, “ekcentric”, or “excentric”.