What does "eccentric" mean?
One who does not behave like others.
Eccentric
/ɪkˈsɛntɹɪk/ adj, noun, slang
adj, noun, slang ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who does not behave like others.
- Grammar: eccentric is listed as adj, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: abaxial, aberrant, aberrant, abnormal.
- Useful contrasts: concentric, consistent, conventional.
- Usage evidence: Prof. Smith is famous for his eccentric life style.
How to use "eccentric"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "eccentric" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "eccentric" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "eccentric" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "eccentric" is acting as adj, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abaxial" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "eccentric", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who does not behave like others.
"A tiny, feisty woman who always spoke her mind, Charlotte was an eccentric in the wonderful way that some women from the last century were natural eccentrics."
- 2 a person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities) wordnet
- 3 A kook; a person of bizarre habits or beliefs. slang
- 4 a person with an unusual or odd personality wordnet
- 5 A circle not having the same centre as another.
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A disk or wheel with its axis off centre, giving a reciprocating motion.
"The position of the eccentrics which is necessary to make the pistons drive the engine forward must be directly the reverse of that which would cause them to drive the engine backwards. To be able, therefore, to reverse the motion of the engine, it would only be necessary to be able to reverse the position of the eccentrics, which may be accomplished by either of two expedients."
- 7 An exercise that goes against or in the opposite direction of contraction of a muscle.
"Research tells us that eccentrics, heavy partials, and static exercise may require several days or weeks of recovery time."
Adjective
- 1 Not at or in the centre; away from the centre.
"Strikingly, we see that party births tend systematically to be at policy positions that are significantly more eccentric than those of surviving parties, whatever decision rule these parties use."
- 2 Not perfectly circular; elliptical.
"As of 2008, Margaret had the most eccentric orbit of any moon in the solar system, though Nereid's mean eccentricity is greater."
- 3 Having a different center; not concentric.
- 4 Deviating from the norm; behaving unexpectedly or differently; unconventional and slightly strange.
"1801, Author not named, Fyfield (John), entry in Eccentric Biography; Or, Sketches of Remarkable Characters, Ancient and Modern, page 127, He was a man of a most eccentric turn of mind, and great singularity of conduct."
- 5 Against or in the opposite direction of contraction of a muscle (such as results from flexion of the lower arm (bending of the elbow joint) by an external force while contracting the triceps and other elbow extensor muscles to control that movement; opening of the jaw while flexing the masseter).
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- 6 Having different goals or motives.
"a. 1626, Francis Bacon, 1867, Richard Whately (analysis and notes), James R. Boyd (editor), Essay XI: Wisdom for a Man's Self, Lord Bacon's Essays, page 171, […] for whatsoever affairs pass such a man's hands he crooketh them to his own ends, which must needs be often eccentric to those of his master or state: […]"
- 7 Having or being an oospore with a single large oil globule on one side that displaces much of the ooplasm and forces the ooplasts to one side.
"Oospores may be centric, subcentric, subeccentric or eccentric. Antheridial branches may or may not be present, and are androgynous, monoclinous, diclinous or hypogynous."
Adjective
- 1 not having a common center; not concentric wordnet
- 2 conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual wordnet
Example
"Prof. Smith is famous for his eccentric life style."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "eccentric"?
Common synonyms include: abaxial, aberrant, aberrant, abnormal, abnormal, absurd.
How do you use "eccentric" in a sentence?
Prof. Smith is famous for his eccentric life style.
How do you pronounce "eccentric"?
Pronounced /ɪkˈsɛntɹɪk/.
Etymology
From Middle French excentrique, from Medieval Latin eccentricus, from Ancient Greek ἔκκεντρος (ékkentros, “not having the earth as the center of an orbit”), from ἐκ (ek, “out”) + κέντρον (kéntron, “point”). Equivalent to ex- + -centric.