What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
eccentric
Example
The eccentric artist painted with his feet instead of his hands. [eccentric: adjective]
Example
Her eccentricity made her stand out from the crowd. [eccentricity: noun]
odd
Example
It's odd to see a cat chasing its own tail. [odd: adjective]
Example
He's an odd character, always wearing mismatched clothes. [odd: adjective]
Example
There are nine odd numbers between one and nineteen. [odd: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Odd is more commonly used than eccentric in everyday language. Odd is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while eccentric is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between eccentric and odd?
Both eccentric and odd are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations. However, eccentric can be used in more formal contexts to describe unique or unconventional ideas or designs.