eccentricity
noun
ec·cen·tric·i·ty
ˌek-(ˌ)sen-ˈtri-sə-tē 
plural eccentricities
1
a
: the quality or state of being eccentric
b
: deviation from an established pattern or norm
especially
: odd or whimsical behavior
2
a
: a mathematical constant that for a given conic section is the ratio of the distances from any point of the conic section to a focus and the corresponding directrix
b
: the eccentricity of an astronomical orbit used as a measure of its deviation from circularity
Synonyms
Examples of eccentricity in a Sentence
Some people weren't very tolerant of his eccentricity.
Talking to her plants is one of her many eccentricities.
Recent Examples on the Web
Born on January 20, 1946, in Missoula, Montana, David Keith Lynch had a quintessentially American upbringing that belied the eccentricity of his later works.
—
Darryn King, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
His character as criminal profiler quickly became a fan favorite with his analytical skills, his eccentricities — and his ever-changing hair.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
As if life weren’t challenging enough already, Evie is going to be navigating this amongst the eccentricity of her family home, living with her fiercely loving single mum Suz (Suranne Jones), sister Izzie (Liv Hill), and handsome boyfriend (sometime man of the house) Josh (Adam Long).
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024
His eccentricities — once easily dismissed as the affectations of a lonely man — read maniacal.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
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Darryn King, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
His character as criminal profiler quickly became a fan favorite with his analytical skills, his eccentricities — and his ever-changing hair.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
As if life weren’t challenging enough already, Evie is going to be navigating this amongst the eccentricity of her family home, living with her fiercely loving single mum Suz (Suranne Jones), sister Izzie (Liv Hill), and handsome boyfriend (sometime man of the house) Josh (Adam Long).
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024
His eccentricities — once easily dismissed as the affectations of a lonely man — read maniacal.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for eccentricity
Dictionary Entries Near eccentricity
Cite this Entry
“Eccentricity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eccentricity. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
eccentricity
noun
ec·cen·tric·i·ty
ˌek-ˌsen-ˈtris-ət-ē
plural eccentricities
1
a
: the quality or state of being eccentric
b
: something that does not follow an established pattern, norm, or rule
especially
: unusual behavior
2
: the amount by which a nearly circular path is not circular
an orbit's eccentricity
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