Definition

Noun: - A person whose behavior, habits, or ideas are noticeably unconventional, strange, or different from what is considered normal or typical by society.

Usage

The term "eccentric person" is used to describe an individual who deviates from common norms, often in a harmless, quirky, or idiosyncratic way. It is a neutral-to-slightly-positive term that focuses on personality and behavior, not on mental health. It is typically used as a countable noun.

Examples

• The old inventor was known in the village as a lovable eccentric person who kept pet raccoons and built strange machines in his garage.
• Many brilliant artists and thinkers throughout history have been considered eccentric persons.
• She didn't mind being called an eccentric person; she enjoyed her unique lifestyle.

Advanced Usage

• "To be considered an eccentric person": To be viewed by others as unconventional.
  • His habit of wearing formal evening wear to the grocery store meant he was considered an eccentric person in his neighborhood.

Variants and Related Words

• Eccentricity (n): The quality of being eccentric; an eccentric trait or behavior.
  • Collecting antique doorknobs was just one of his many eccentricities.
• Eccentric (adj): Describing unconventional or strange behavior.
  • He has some very eccentric ideas about gardening.

Synonyms

• Oddball: (Informal) A person who behaves in strange or unusual ways.
• Nonconformist: A person who does not conform to prevailing ideas or practices.
• Character: (Informal) An odd or amusing person.

Antonyms

• Conformist: A person who conforms to accepted behavior or established practices.
• Traditionalist: A person who upholds or adheres to traditional ways.

Idioms and Related Phrases

• "A square peg in a round hole": Someone who does not fit into a particular situation or group, often due to being different or eccentric.
  • With his radical ideas, he felt like a square peg in a round hole at the conservative firm.
• "To march to the beat of one's own drum": To behave in a way that is different from the norm; to be independent and eccentric.
  • She has always marched to the beat of her own drum, never caring about fashion trends.

Noun

1. a person with an unusual or odd personality