Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: "Eccentric"

Episode Date: November 18, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Overview

This episode’s focus is on the word “eccentric”—its meaning, origins, and usage. Host Peter Sokolowski delves into both the technical and everyday senses of “eccentric,” illustrating its nuances and providing historical context.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Definition and Spelling

  • [00:42] “Today's word is eccentric, spelled E C C E N T R I C. Eccentric is an adjective.”
  • The word typically describes people or things that deviate from conventional or accepted behavior, often in odd or whimsical ways.

• Technical Meaning

  • Eccentric also has a specific sense in geometry and astronomy, referring to things that deviate from a circular path or are located away from the geometric center.
  • Quote: “It is also used technically to mean deviating from a circular path and located elsewhere than at the geometric center.” (Peter Sokolowski, 00:47)

• Usage Example

  • A literary example is provided to illustrate the word:
    • “The film Annie Hall is considered one of the great romantic comedies of all time, with Diane Keaton's eccentric self-deprecating Annie at its heart.” (Cited from Fortune by Eva Reuteberg, 00:58)

• Etymology and Historical Origin

  • Originally a technical term in geometry and astronomy.
  • Traces back to the medieval Latin adjective eccentricus, meaning "not having the earth at its center."
  • Ultimately from the Greek noun kentron, which refers to various forms of centers (e.g., the midpoint of a circle or pair of compasses).

• Figurative Use Through History

  • The figurative sense, referring to unconventional or unusual people or things, has been in use since at least the 17th century.
  • Quote: “As far back as the 17th century, the word has been used to describe people and things that deviate from what is conventional, usual, or accepted.” (Peter Sokolowski, 01:27)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Eccentric Personalities:

  “Eccentric is an adjective. It usually describes people and things that deviate from conventional or accepted usage or behavior, especially in odd and whimsical ways.” (Peter Sokolowski, 00:43)

• On Technical Origins:

  “Eccentric was originally a technical term at home in the fields of geometry and astronomy.” (Peter Sokolowski, 01:08)

• On Historical Usage:

  “As far back as the 17th century, the word has been used to describe people and things that deviate from what is conventional, usual, or accepted.” (Peter Sokolowski, 01:27)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:42] — Introduction and spelling of "eccentric"
• [00:47] — Definitions and usage, both common and technical
• [00:58] — Example sentence from literature
• [01:08] — Etymology: Latin and Greek origins
• [01:27] — Note on figurative use since the 17th century

Conclusion

Peter Sokolowski uses clear, engaging language to explore “eccentric,” enriching listeners’ understanding of its history and various contexts. The episode is concise yet rich in detail, ideal for anyone looking to expand their vocabulary and appreciation of language nuance. For more word explorations, listeners are encouraged to visit Merriam-Webster’s website.