What does eclecticism mean?
Eclecticism is the practice of selecting ideas, styles, methods, or beliefs from a broad range of sources rather than committing to any single school, tradition, or system. The term applies most often to art, architecture, music, design, and philosophy, where it describes work that freely blends elements of different origins — a building mixing Gothic and classical features, or a thinker drawing on several schools of thought. Its connotations are double-edged: eclecticism may suggest open-mindedness, sophistication, and creative range, but critics sometimes use it to imply inconsistency or a lack of unifying principle. The word derives from Greek eklegein, 'to pick out', sharing its root with 'select' and 'elect'. It remains a valuable critical term for describing deliberate, informed mixture as opposed to mere randomness.
nounThe practice or tendency of selecting and combining ideas, styles, or beliefs from a wide variety of sources rather than following any single system. It is used especially of art, architecture, philosophy, and taste.
- The practice of deriving ideas, styles, or tastes from a broad range of sources rather than adhering to one school or tradition.
- (Philosophy) A historical approach, notably among ancient Greek thinkers, that selects doctrines from different philosophical systems without commitment to any single one.
"The restaurant's menu reflected the chef's cheerful eclecticism, drawing on Thai, Mexican, and Italian traditions in a single tasting course."
"Her interior design is defined by an eclecticism that pairs Victorian armchairs with mid-century lighting."
"The philosopher was accused of eclecticism, borrowing freely from Stoic and Epicurean doctrine alike."
Rarely pluralised; usually treated as an uncountable mass noun referring to a general approach or quality. A plural form appears only when counting distinct instances of eclectic practice, which is uncommon.
"Scholars have traced distinct eclecticisms across different periods of Roman art."
Eclecticism comes from the Greek eklegein, 'to pick out' — the same root that gives us the words 'select' and 'elect', so an eclectic person is literally someone who picks and chooses.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of eclecticism
Eclecticism derives ultimately from the Greek verb eklegein, meaning 'to pick out' or 'to select', formed from ek ('out') and legein ('to gather, choose'). The related adjective 'eclectic' entered English in the 17th century, originally describing philosophers such as certain ancient Greek thinkers who chose doctrines from various systems; the noun eclecticism followed to name that approach itself. The Greek root eklektos also underlies cognates such as 'select', 'elect', and 'collect', all built on the same Indo-European base *leg- meaning 'to gather'.
Related word forms
How eclecticism is actually used
A formal-to-neutral register word, most at home in criticism of art, music, architecture, and thought. It can carry either approval (open-minded breadth) or mild censure (lack of coherent principle), depending on context.
Easily confused with eclecticism
Eccentricity means oddness or unconventionality of behaviour, while eclecticism means deliberately choosing from diverse sources rather than being strange.