eccentric

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "eccentric" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something or someone that is unusual and unconventional in their behavior or style. For example, "My Aunt Jane is quite eccentric; she always wears bright colors and over-the-top hats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On these pages last week, Professor John Sutherland made some eccentric observations, including some about the government's plans for higher education, but he misrepresents what we value and how we will support that.

The Guardian

Despite the typically eccentric "insects in order of appearance" at the end credits, they are all CGI.

The Guardian - Film

We are on set of the movie Frank, an eccentric comedy about an eccentric rock band led by a man who has wandered off the spectrum of eccentricity and into mental illness.

The Guardian - Film

The Day of the Horse holiday was started by Berdymukhamedov's late predecessor, Saparmurat Niyazov, an eccentric dictator who renamed the months after members of his family and erected a golden statue of himself that revolved to reflect the sun.

The Guardian

Much of the novel takes place in 1990, and follows Scottish student Prentice McHoan, and his large, and extremely eccentric, family.

The Guardian - Books

Yet that said, football has its fair share of ground-baggers, badge hunters and nutcases, cricket does not have a monopoly on the summer sporting eccentric.

The Guardian - Sport

Against all financial odds, the UK dance scene is still thriving; it is creative and adventurous, improvisatory and eccentric.

The Guardian

If they are to level the series at the ground where they lost the initiative in 2005, they want Hughes to rediscover his eccentric skills quickly and bring authority back to the top of a batting lineup of considerable potential but which has clicked with conviction only occasionally this summer.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1973, a local eccentric was thinking of a way to capitalise on the summer tourist traffic heading to the Top of the World Highway.

The Guardian - Travel

Just a few years ago, when Bingu wa Mutharika was at his most eccentric, this was not a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian

No, De Pijp wasn't exactly picturesque compared to the canal district, but that was made up for by its lively and eccentric population.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person as "eccentric", provide specific examples of their behavior or traits to illustrate their unique character.

Common error

Avoid using "eccentric" as a vague label without providing context. Instead, elaborate on the specific qualities that make the subject unique, preventing misinterpretation or stereotyping.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "eccentric" primarily functions as an attributive adjective, modifying nouns to describe something deviating from the norm. Ludwig provides examples where it describes observations, insects, families, and skills, highlighting its descriptive capacity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Travel

10%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "eccentric" is a versatile term used to describe deviations from the norm, carrying connotations of uniqueness and peculiarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly within news and media contexts. While primarily neutral in register, context dictates its formality. When using "eccentric", strive for specific examples to avoid vagueness and enhance descriptive impact. Alternative phrases such as "unconventional" or "idiosyncratic" can provide subtle nuances. Ludwig's analysis shows how a simple word choice can add depth and color to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconventional

Focuses on the departure from established norms and practices.

unorthodox

Highlights the deviation from traditional or accepted beliefs and methods.

idiosyncratic

Emphasizes the unique and peculiar characteristics of an individual or thing.

peculiar

Underscores the strangeness or oddity of something.

odd

A general term indicating something unusual or strange.

bizarre

Suggests something extremely strange or unusual.

strange

A broad term for something unfamiliar or unusual.

unusual

Emphasizes the rarity or infrequency of something.

abnormal

Indicates a deviation from what is considered normal or typical.

atypical

Highlights the non-conforming nature of something compared to its type.

FAQs

How to use "eccentric" in a sentence?

Use "eccentric" to describe someone or something that deviates from the norm in an interesting or unusual way. For example, "The artist was known for his eccentric style and unconventional methods."

What can I say instead of "eccentric"?

You can use alternatives like "unconventional", "idiosyncratic", or "peculiar" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "eccentric" or "eccentrical"?

"Eccentric" is the more commonly used and preferred adjective. "Eccentrical" is an older, less frequent variant.

What's the difference between "eccentric" and "weird"?

"Eccentric" often implies a charming or interesting deviation from the norm, while "weird" generally carries a more negative connotation, suggesting something unsettling or disturbing. An "eccentric" person might collect unusual items, while a weird person might exhibit behaviors that make others uncomfortable.