Difference between revisions of "Eccentric"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
| − | [ | + | [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Middle English], from Medieval [[Latin]] eccentricus, from [[Greek]] ekkentros, from ex out of + kentron [[center]] |
Eccentric first appeared in [[English]] in 1551 as an [[astronomical]] term [[meaning]] "a [[circle]] in which the [[earth]], sun. etc. deviates from its [[center]]." Five years later, in 1556, an adjective form of the [[word]] was added. 129 years later, in 1685, the definition evolved from the [[literal]] to the figurative, and eccentric began being used to describe unconventional or odd [[behavior]]. A noun form of the [[word]] – a [[person]] who [[possesses]] and exhibits these unconventional or odd qualities/behaviors – didn't appear until 1832. | Eccentric first appeared in [[English]] in 1551 as an [[astronomical]] term [[meaning]] "a [[circle]] in which the [[earth]], sun. etc. deviates from its [[center]]." Five years later, in 1556, an adjective form of the [[word]] was added. 129 years later, in 1685, the definition evolved from the [[literal]] to the figurative, and eccentric began being used to describe unconventional or odd [[behavior]]. A noun form of the [[word]] – a [[person]] who [[possesses]] and exhibits these unconventional or odd qualities/behaviors – didn't appear until 1832. | ||
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1531] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
*1a : deviating from an [[established]] or usual [[pattern]] or style <eccentric products> | *1a : deviating from an [[established]] or usual [[pattern]] or style <eccentric products> | ||
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In popular usage, '''eccentricity''' refers to unusual or odd [[behavior]] and "[[socially]] awkward" on the part of an [[individual]]. This [[behavior]] would typically be [[perceived]] as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive. Eccentricity is [[contrasted]] with "[[normal]]" behavior, the nearly [[universal]] means by which [[individuals]] in [[society]] solve given [[problems]] and pursue certain priorities in everyday life. People who consistently display benignly eccentric behavior are labeled as "eccentrics". | In popular usage, '''eccentricity''' refers to unusual or odd [[behavior]] and "[[socially]] awkward" on the part of an [[individual]]. This [[behavior]] would typically be [[perceived]] as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive. Eccentricity is [[contrasted]] with "[[normal]]" behavior, the nearly [[universal]] means by which [[individuals]] in [[society]] solve given [[problems]] and pursue certain priorities in everyday life. People who consistently display benignly eccentric behavior are labeled as "eccentrics". | ||
==Depictions of eccentricity== | ==Depictions of eccentricity== | ||
| − | Eccentricity is often associated with [[genius]], [[intellectual]] giftedness, or [[creativity]]. The [[individual]]'s eccentric [[behavior]] is [[perceived]] to be the outward [[expression]] of his or her [[unique]] [[intelligence]] or creative [[impulse]]. In this vein, the eccentric's [[habits]] are incomprehensible not because they are illogical or the result of madness, but because they stem from a [[mind]] so [[original]] that it cannot be conformed to societal norms. [[English]] [ | + | Eccentricity is often associated with [[genius]], [[intellectual]] giftedness, or [[creativity]]. The [[individual]]'s eccentric [[behavior]] is [[perceived]] to be the outward [[expression]] of his or her [[unique]] [[intelligence]] or creative [[impulse]]. In this vein, the eccentric's [[habits]] are incomprehensible not because they are illogical or the result of madness, but because they stem from a [[mind]] so [[original]] that it cannot be conformed to societal norms. [[English]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utilitarian Utilitarian] thinker [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stuart_Mill John Stuart Mill] wrote that "the amount of eccentricity in a [[society]] has generally been proportional to the amount of [[genius]], [[mental]] [[Vigor|vigour]], and [[moral]] [[courage]] which it contained", and mourned a lack of eccentricity as "the chief [[danger]] of the time". [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Sitwell Edith Sitwell] wrote that eccentricity is "often a kind of innocent [[pride]]", also saying that [[genius]]es and [[aristocrats]] are called eccentrics because "they are entirely unafraid of and uninfluenced by the [[opinions]] and vagaries of the crowd."[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eccentricity_%28behavior%29] |
[[Category: Sociology]] | [[Category: Sociology]] | ||
[[Category: Psychology]] | [[Category: Psychology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:56, 12 December 2020
Origin
Middle English, from Medieval Latin eccentricus, from Greek ekkentros, from ex out of + kentron center
Eccentric first appeared in English in 1551 as an astronomical term meaning "a circle in which the earth, sun. etc. deviates from its center." Five years later, in 1556, an adjective form of the word was added. 129 years later, in 1685, the definition evolved from the literal to the figurative, and eccentric began being used to describe unconventional or odd behavior. A noun form of the word – a person who possesses and exhibits these unconventional or odd qualities/behaviors – didn't appear until 1832.
Definitions
- 1a : deviating from an established or usual pattern or style <eccentric products>
- b : deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways <an eccentric millionaire>
- b : located elsewhere than at the geometrical center; also : having the axis or support so located <an eccentric wheel>
Description
In popular usage, eccentricity refers to unusual or odd behavior and "socially awkward" on the part of an individual. This behavior would typically be perceived as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive. Eccentricity is contrasted with "normal" behavior, the nearly universal means by which individuals in society solve given problems and pursue certain priorities in everyday life. People who consistently display benignly eccentric behavior are labeled as "eccentrics".
Depictions of eccentricity
Eccentricity is often associated with genius, intellectual giftedness, or creativity. The individual's eccentric behavior is perceived to be the outward expression of his or her unique intelligence or creative impulse. In this vein, the eccentric's habits are incomprehensible not because they are illogical or the result of madness, but because they stem from a mind so original that it cannot be conformed to societal norms. English Utilitarian thinker John Stuart Mill wrote that "the amount of eccentricity in a society has generally been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigour, and moral courage which it contained", and mourned a lack of eccentricity as "the chief danger of the time". Edith Sitwell wrote that eccentricity is "often a kind of innocent pride", also saying that geniuses and aristocrats are called eccentrics because "they are entirely unafraid of and uninfluenced by the opinions and vagaries of the crowd."[1]
