The word for today is…

eclectic (adjective)

1 : composed of elements drawn from various sources
2 : selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles

Source : Merriam – Webster

Etymology : Eclectic comes from a Greek verb meaning “to select” and was originally applied to ancient philosophers who were not committed to any single system of philosophy; instead, these philosophers selected whichever doctrines pleased them from every school of thought. Later, the word’s use broadened to cover other selective natures. “Hard by, the central slab is thick with books / Diverse, but which the true eclectic mind / Knows how to group, and gather out of each / Their frequent wisdoms….” In this 19th century example from a poem by Arthur Joseph Munby, for example, the word is applied to literature lovers who cull selective works from libraries.

If you enjoyed this BFD word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children

David is a retired surgeon originally from London who came to New Zealand twenty-seven years ago after being delayed in Singapore for thirteen years on leaving the UK. He was coerced into studying Latin...