Eccentric

Adjective

Definition: (of a person or their behavior) unconventional and slightly strange.

Definition: not placed centrally or not having its axis or other part placed centrally.

Synonyms: Quirky, Offbeat, Odd, Peculiar, Peculiar, Off-center

Antonyms: Conventional, Normal, Ordinary, Typical

Examples:
  • He was known for his eccentric taste in fashion.
  • The artist's eccentric paintings caught everyone's attention.
Mnemonics:
  • Imagine a person with a peculiar hairstyle walking in an off-centered manner.
  • Think of the "centric" part of the word, which refers to the center, and how eccentricity deviates from the center.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "eccentric" originated from late Middle English, from medieval Latin "eccentros" (from Greek "ekkentros," meaning 'out of the center') and from Latin "eccentricus" (meaning 'off-center').

Historical Usage:

The term has been historically used to describe objects or individuals that deviate from the center or the norm.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"March to the beat of one's own drum"

Explanation:

Describes someone who behaves or thinks differently from others; similar to an eccentric individual who does not follow societal norms.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Using eccentric as a synonym for insane or mentally unstable.

Explanation:

While an eccentric person may exhibit unconventional behavior, it does not necessarily imply mental instability. Eccentricity refers more to unconventional quirks or preferences rather than a severe mental condition.

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