eccentric
/ɪˈsɛntrɪk/
NOUN
1. A person who behaves unusually
A person whose behavior, habits, or beliefs are noticeably different from those considered normal or conventional.
1.1. An unconventional or peculiar person
Someone who behaves, dresses, or thinks in unusual ways that distinguish them from other people.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- conformist
- conventional person
- ordinary person
Examples
- The eccentric was known throughout the village for his unusual habits and colorful clothing.
- The old eccentric lived alone in a house filled with curious inventions.
Related Words
- individualist
- bohemian
- loner
- original
- personality
1.2. A person with bizarre habits or beliefs
Someone whose behavior, ideas, or personal habits seem strange, unconventional, or difficult for others to understand.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- conformist
- conventional person
- reasonable person
Examples
- The eccentric was famous for his bizarre theories about everyday events.
Related Words
NOUN
2. A circle or object with an off-center position
A geometric figure or mechanical component whose center or axis does not coincide with that of another object or its own geometric center.
2.1. A circle with a different center
A circle whose center is different from the center of another circle or reference point.
Synonyms
- off-center circle
- nonconcentric circle
Antonyms
- concentric circle
Examples
- The diagram showed an eccentric positioned inside a larger circle.
Related Words
2.2. An off-center mechanical disk or wheel
A disk or wheel mounted with its rotational axis displaced from its geometric center, often used to convert rotary motion into reciprocating motion.
Synonyms
- eccentric wheel
- eccentric disk
- cam
Examples
- The eccentric drives the connecting rod and produces a reciprocating movement in the machine.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
3. Not located at the center
Situated away from the center or having an axis or position that is displaced from the central point.
3.1. Positioned away from the center
Describing something located outside or displaced from the central position of an object or structure.
Synonyms
- off-center
- decentered
- displaced
- asymmetrical
Antonyms
- central
- centered
- concentric
Examples
- The eccentric mounting caused the rotating component to move unevenly.
Related Words
- peripheral
- outer
- eccentricity
- axis
- alignment
3.2. Not perfectly circular or elliptical
Describing a shape that deviates from a perfect circle or has an elongated, oval-like form.
Synonyms
- elliptical
- oval
- oblong
- asymmetrical
Antonyms
- circular
- round
- spherical
Examples
- The planet follows an eccentric orbit around the star.
Related Words
3.3. Having different or noncoincident centers
Describing two or more circles or objects whose centers do not occupy the same point.
Synonyms
- nonconcentric
- off-center
- eccentrically positioned
Antonyms
- concentric
- concentric-centered
Examples
- The two eccentric rings had different centers and therefore did not fit evenly together.
Related Words
- center
- axis
- alignment
- geometry
- displacement
ADJECTIVE
4. Unconventional or strangely behaving
Different from what is considered normal, conventional, or expected, especially in a person's behavior, appearance, ideas, or style.
4.1. Unusual or unconventional behavior
Describing a person whose actions, habits, or mannerisms differ noticeably from accepted social conventions.
Synonyms
- unconventional
- peculiar
- odd
- quirky
- strange
- bizarre
- unorthodox
- idiosyncratic
- offbeat
- unusual
Antonyms
- conventional
- normal
- ordinary
- typical
- conformist
- customary
Examples
- Despite his eccentric behavior, Mr. Johnson was a brilliant inventor.
- Her eccentric fashion sense always turned heads wherever she went.
Related Words
- individualistic
- nonconformist
- bohemian
- whimsical
- unpredictable
4.2. Strange or unconventional ideas and methods
Describing ideas, approaches, or methods that differ significantly from established practices or commonly accepted ways of thinking.
Synonyms
- unorthodox
- unconventional
- unusual
- unorthodox
- original
- idiosyncratic
- outlandish
- far-out
Antonyms
Examples
- The professor's eccentric teaching methods sparked curiosity among his students.
Related Words
- innovative
- experimental
- creative
- avant-garde
- nontraditional
4.3. Strikingly unusual appearance or style
Describing an appearance, fashion choice, or artistic style that is noticeably different, distinctive, or unconventional.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- plain
- conventional
- ordinary
- unremarkable
- typical
Examples
- The eccentric artist wore brightly colored clothes and unusual accessories.
Related Words
- distinctive
- eccentricity
- individuality
- originality
- extravagant
ADJECTIVE
5. Opposing or lengthening a muscle during contraction
Describing a type of muscle contraction in which a muscle lengthens while producing force, typically while controlling or resisting a movement.
5.1. Lengthening muscle contraction
Referring to an eccentric muscle action in which the muscle produces tension while lengthening under an external load.
Synonyms
- lengthening contraction
- negative contraction
Antonyms
- concentric contraction
- shortening contraction
Examples
- During the eccentric phase of the exercise, the muscle lengthens while controlling the weight.
Related Words
- muscle tension
- resistance training
- muscle extension
- exercise
- isometric contraction
ADJECTIVE
6. Having different goals or motives
Having aims, intentions, or motivations that differ from those of another person or group.
6.1. Different or conflicting intentions
Describing people or actions whose purposes, aims, or motivations do not align with those of others.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- aligned
- congruent
- compatible
- convergent
Examples
- The two partners pursued eccentric goals that made cooperation difficult.