éclectique

Éclectique is an adjective used in French to describe a person, approach, work, or collection that draws from a variety of sources or styles rather than committing to a single system or tradition. It can refer to tastes, methods, or design choices that combine elements from different origins in a nonuniform way. The term is widely used in art, architecture, literature, music, and philosophy, and it often implies versatility or openness.

Etymology and usage: éclectique derives from Greek eklektikos meaning “select, chosen,” through the French éclectique. In art and architectural history, éclectisme (eclecticism) designates a 19th‑century tendency to mix styles—classical, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and others—to create new forms. This approach sought to express contemporary needs or national styles by freely combining historic languages rather than adhering to a single lineage.

Contemporary sense: in everyday language, éclectique describes someone with broad or varied tastes (une démarche éclectique, un esprit éclectique) or a collection that spans multiple genres. It can be neutral, praising diversity, but it may also carry a subtle critique if the combination is perceived as lacking coherence or a clear doctrine.

Related concepts: éclectisme is related to, but distinct from, syncrétisme (the blending of diverse traditions into a new system) and pluralisme (the acceptance of multiple viewpoints). In practice, éclectique emphasizes picking and mixing elements, whereas syncrétisme emphasizes synthesis into a new, unified tradition.