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
- He was known for his eccentric taste in fashion.
- The artist's eccentric paintings caught everyone's attention.
- 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:
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:
"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:
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.