eccentric

Everyday

1. An eccentric person behaves in an unusual, strange but usually harmless way. tree →
2. (noun) An eccentric is such a person. tree →
3. (maths/science) Eccentric describes a circle or orbit that is not centred, or an oval path. tree →

In the lessons

In stories eccentric characters are odd, funny or mysterious, like inventors with wild hair. Phrases: «a bit eccentric», «an eccentric old man».

Examples

• Our neighbour is a bit eccentric — he walks his cat on a lead. tree →
• The eccentric inventor built a flying bicycle. tree →
• She wears eccentric hats. tree →
• The village was full of lovable eccentrics. tree →
• The professor had eccentric habits. tree →
• Some planets have an eccentric orbit. tree →
• Many of them were very aged; lonely old boys, with strange thoughts and eccentric habits. tree →

Note

Starts with «ec-»: ec-CEN-tric. Not rude like «crazy»; it is gentle. Noun: eccentricity. A/an: «an eccentric».