Eclecticisms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A diverse mixture of styles, ideas, or approaches often drawn from various sources or traditions in art or thought
2. The practice of selecting or incorporating elements from a variety of systems, philosophies, or styles, resulting in a unique fusion
3. An intentional blending of different influences, contributing to a rich and varied representation in creative or intellectual pursuits

Etymology: To paint Helen of Troy, the ancient Greek painter Zeuxis is said to have chosen five maidens of Croton and borrowed the most beautiful features of each. Roman writers told this story as an example of selecting the best from many sources, a practice that the word's Greek root describes directly. "Eklektikos" meant "selective," from "eklegein," "to pick out," which combines "ek" ("out") with "legein" ("to choose" or "gather"). Certain ancient philosophers were called Eclectics because they took doctrines from rival schools rather than committing to a single one. The English noun "eclecticism" names this method of mixing, and the plural "eclecticisms" refers to specific mixtures of styles or ideas, each one a distinct blend drawn from different traditions.

Synonyms: diversity, variety, assortment, mixture, blend

Antonyms: uniformity, sameness, monotony, conformity, congruence