I. (ˈ)e|klektik, ə̇ˈkl-, ēˈkl- adjective
Etymology: Greek eklektikos, from eklektos picked out, select (verbal of eklegein to pick out, select, from ek out of, out + legein to pick up, gather) + -ikos -ic — more at legend
1. : selecting what appears to be best or true in various and diverse doctrines or methods : rejecting a single, unitary, and exclusive interpretation, doctrine, or method : of or relating to eclecticism : selective
an eclectic painter, mirroring the restlessness of his times, on a constant search for varied experience — H.D.Walker
her taste was eclectic in music as in persons — Osbert Sitwell
2. : composed of elements drawn from various sources
a party with an eclectic program — Time
an eclectic liturgy … incorporating such usages of … other churches as he might consider most profitable — F.M.Stenton
• ec·lec·ti·cal·ly -tə̇k(ə)lē, -tēk-, -li adverb
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Greek eklektikos, from eklektikos, adjective
: one who uses an eclectic method or approach in any field of thought or activity
eclectics who derive most of their theory from Freud but add a little of Jung or Adler — Time