adjective

eccentric

eccentric, unconventional, strange

He was an eccentric old man.

He was an eccentric old man.

Her style of dress is quite eccentric.

Her style of dress is quite eccentric.

used to describe a person or their behaviour as strange or unconventional My uncle has some eccentric habits.

Synonyms: strange, odd, peculiar, unconventional; Antonyms: conventional, normal, ordinary

From Greek 'ek' (out of) + 'kentron' (centre). Literally 'off-centre'.

Think of a circle that is 'off-centre' - it's not normal, it's eccentric. This applies to people's behaviour too.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.