eccentric
/ɪkˈsentrɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪkˈsentrɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ik-ˈsen-trik ek-/ (ame, mw) · /ɪkˈsen.trɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪkˈsen.trɪk/ (ame, ipa)
eccentric — adjective
- eccentricpositive
- more eccentriccomparative
- most eccentricsuperlative
1. behaving or dressing in a way that is noticeably different from what most people
behaving or dressing in a way that is noticeably different from what most people consider normal, often in a pleasantly surprising or amusing way
Manuela has some eccentric hobbies, like collecting antique door handles from across Europe.
collocation: eccentric hobbies
The old professor wore an eccentric purple hat shaped like a pineapple to every lecture.
eccentric + clothing item
Nikos has eccentric eating habits and dips everything in honey before taking a bite.
Zuri's eccentric decision to sleep in a hammock instead of a bed surprised her flatmates.
It is considered eccentric to wear a formal suit while hiking up a rocky mountain trail.
- odd
more neutral and less colourful; simply means not normal
- peculiar
suggests something strange in a way that is distinctive to the person or thing
- quirky
implies playful, unexpected habits with a light, charming feel
- unconventional
focuses on deliberately choosing not to follow social norms
- conventional
following accepted social norms and standards
- normal
typical and expected in behaviour or appearance
用法筆記
Frequently describes habits, clothing, or personality traits that are unusual but not harmful or disturbing. Often carries a mildly positive or affectionate tone.
常見錯誤
2. relating to circles or paths whose center point is at a different location from
relating to circles or paths whose center point is at a different location from another, or whose shape is not a perfect circle
The comet follows an eccentric orbit that brings it close to the sun only once every century.
technical: eccentric orbit
An eccentric gear rotates around a point located away from its true centre.
In geometry class, Daichi drew two eccentric circles that did not share a common centre.
The engineer explained how an eccentric cam converts rotary motion into a back-and-forth movement.
- off-center
more general and less technical; works in everyday contexts
- non-concentric
a direct synonym but even more technical and rare
- concentric
sharing the same centre point
用法筆記
Primarily used in technical contexts such as geometry, astronomy, and mechanical engineering. Not common in everyday conversation.
3. having a curved, stretched form that is narrower at the ends than in the middle,
having a curved, stretched form that is narrower at the ends than in the middle, resembling the shape of an egg
The pool has an eccentric oval shape that makes it look like a large green leaf.
rare: eccentric oval shape
Eitan admired the eccentric curves of the old stone archway in the temple garden.
The architect chose an eccentric oval design for the roof of the new museum.
Defne carefully traced the eccentric curve of the antique mirror frame onto paper.
- oval
the common, everyday word; no technical feeling
- elliptical
more precise in geometry; describes a specific mathematical oval shape
- circular
perfectly round
用法筆記
A relatively rare use of 'eccentric' that simply means 'oval-shaped.' Most speakers use 'oval' instead. This sense belongs almost entirely to technical or descriptive writing.
eccentric — noun
- eccentricsingular
- eccentricsplural
1. a person whose habits, clothing, or opinions are noticeably different from what
a person whose habits, clothing, or opinions are noticeably different from what most people consider usual
Everyone in town knows Mrs. Okafor as a harmless eccentric who writes poems on walls.
common pattern: harmless / charming / lovable eccentric
The gallery owner was an eccentric who only displayed art made from recycled materials.
Nikhil's great-aunt was a charming eccentric who kept twenty pet rabbits in her tiny flat.
The village eccentric wears three watches on each arm and talks to passing clouds.
Adina laughed at stories about the local eccentric who always wore roller skates indoors.
- oddball
informal; more playful and less respectful
- character
informal and affectionate; an amusingly unusual person
- nonconformist
focuses on deliberately rejecting social rules rather than personal quirkiness
- conformist
someone who follows accepted social rules and behaviour
用法筆記
Often preceded by adjectives such as 'harmless,' 'charming,' 'lovable,' or 'well-known' to show that the oddness is viewed kindly rather than negatively.