eccentric
/ik'sentrik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Not having a common center; not concentric: Describes geometric shapes, especially circles, that do not share the same center point.
- Conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual: Describes a person, their behavior, or their style that deviates markedly from what is ordinary, normal, or expected, often in a whimsical or peculiar way.
Noun:
- A person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities): Refers to an individual whose personality, habits, or appearance are noticeably odd or unconventional.
- A person with an unusual or odd personality: A more specific definition focusing on the character of the individual.
Examples of Usage
Adjective:
- The astronomer studied the orbits of the eccentric planets. (Referring to non-concentric orbits.)
- She was known for her eccentric taste in fashion, often wearing mismatched patterns. (Referring to unconventional style.)
- His eccentric habit of collecting only green objects fascinated his neighbors. (Referring to unusual behavior.)
Noun:
- The old inventor was a beloved eccentric in our town.
- Many geniuses throughout history have been considered eccentrics.
Advanced Usage
- Technical/Mechanical Context: In engineering, "eccentric" can refer to a disk or wheel mounted off-center on a shaft to convert rotary motion into reciprocating motion. (Note: This is a related compound/noun use, not the core adjective).
- The machine uses an eccentric cam to control the valve timing.
Variants and Related Words
- Eccentricity (n): The quality of being eccentric; an eccentric act or habit.
- His main eccentricity was talking to his plants every morning.
- Eccentrically (adv): In an eccentric manner.
- She dressed eccentrically but with great confidence.
Synonyms
- Adjective (for unconventional): Unconventional, bizarre, odd, quirky, peculiar, idiosyncratic, outlandish.
- Noun: Oddball, character, nonconformist, original, maverick.
Antonyms
- Adjective: Conventional, normal, ordinary, standard, mainstream.
- Noun: Conformist.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Eccentric to the core: Completely and fundamentally eccentric.
- The artist was eccentric to the core, living in a house shaped like a shoe.
Adjective
- not having a common center; not concentric
- eccentric circles
- conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
- restaurants of bizarre design--one like a hat, another like a rabbit
- famed for his eccentric spelling
- a freakish combination of styles
- his off-the-wall antics
- the outlandish clothes of teenagers
- outre and affected stage antics
Noun
- a person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities)
- a real character
- a strange character
- a friendly eccentric
- the capable type
- a mental case
- a person with an unusual or odd personality