Eccentric
ɪkˈsɛntrɪk
Definitions
3 meaningsDeviating from the conventional or established norm; unconventional and slightly strange.
ɪkˈsɛntrɪk
Unconventional and slightly strange.
He was known for his eccentric habits, like wearing mismatched socks.
💡 Simply: Someone who is eccentric is a little unusual, like they have their own unique way of doing things. They might wear crazy clothes, have weird hobbies, or just do things differently from everyone else.
👶 For kids: Someone who is eccentric is a bit strange or unusual. They might do things that are different from other people!
More Examples
The artist's eccentric style set him apart from other painters.
Her eccentric grandmother always wore brightly colored clothes.
How It's Used
"Her eccentric fashion sense made her stand out at the party."
"The psychologist studied eccentric behaviors to understand personality disorders."
A person of unconventional and slightly strange views or behavior.
ɪkˈsɛntrɪk
The local pub was always filled with colorful eccentrics.
💡 Simply: An eccentric is just a person who acts a little strangely or differently than most people. They might have quirky habits or unique ideas.
👶 For kids: An eccentric is a person who does things in a funny or strange way.
More Examples
He was considered an eccentric by his neighbors because of his unusual hobbies.
The film featured a group of lovable eccentrics living in a remote village.
How It's Used
"The town was home to several eccentrics who provided color and interest to the community."
"The novel's cast of characters included a delightful array of eccentrics."
Not placed centrally or not having its axis in the center, as in a circle.
ɪkˈsɛntrɪk
Not placed centrally or not having its axis in the center.
The Earth's orbit around the sun is slightly eccentric.
💡 Simply: In science or engineering, something eccentric is not in the middle or at the center. It’s off to the side a bit, like a wheel that's not perfectly round.
👶 For kids: In science, something that is eccentric is off center or not in the middle.
More Examples
The engine's design utilized an eccentric shaft to convert rotary motion.
The gears were misaligned, causing an eccentric movement.
How It's Used
"The eccentric orbit of the planet caused fluctuations in the gravitational field."
"The design used an eccentric cam to control the movement of the mechanism."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
eccentric circle
A circle that has a center that is slightly away from the center of another circle or sphere.
"The gears of the mechanism were designed based on the concept of eccentric circles to achieve specific movement patterns."
an eccentric character
Referring to a person or character who exhibits unconventional or peculiar traits or behaviors.
"The novel's protagonist was an eccentric character with a love for collecting antique clocks."
From Late Latin eccentricus, from Greek ekkentros 'out of the center', from ek- 'out' + kentron 'center'. The term originally referred to circles or spheres that did not have the earth at their center.
Historically, 'eccentric' was often used in astronomy to describe orbits or circles that were not perfectly centered. Later it came to describe unusual behavior.
Memory tip
Imagine a center point; eccentric things are *out of* that center.
Word Origin
"ek (out) + kentron (center)"