eclecticism
UK[ɪˈklektɪsɪzəm]US[ɪˈklektɪsɪzəm]
n
The practice of deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
n
A philosophy or method of thought that selects what seems best from various systems, doctrines, or styles.
Morpheme Breakdown
eclect
ic
ism
eclect
select
ic
adjective suffix
ism
doctrine or practice
Etymology
The term originates from the Greek verb eklegein, meaning "to pick out" or "to select," which is itself composed of ek- (out) and legein (to gather, choose). This concept was adopted into the philosophical school of Eclecticism in ancient Greece and Rome, which deliberately selected doctrines from various systems of thought. The adjective-forming suffix -ic was added to create eklektikos, describing a selective approach. Finally, the abstract noun-forming suffix -ism was appended, shifting the meaning from a descriptive quality to a formalized practice or doctrine of selecting and combining elements from diverse sources.
Analysis
Structure: eclect (select) + ic (adjective suffix) + ism (doctrine or practice)
- eclect: From Greek eklektikos (selective), from eklegein (to pick out, select).
- ic: A suffix of Greek and Latin origin forming adjectives.
- ism: A suffix forming nouns of action, state, condition, or doctrine, from Greek -ismos.
Examples
The interior design of the house showed a clear eclecticism, blending modern furniture with antique carpets and Asian art.
His musical eclecticism makes his concerts unpredictable, as he moves seamlessly from jazz to classical to electronic music.
Philosophical eclecticism was common in the later Roman Empire, as thinkers sought to combine the best elements of Stoicism, Platonism, and Aristotelianism.