What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oddball
Example
He's a bit of an oddball, always wearing mismatched clothes. [oddball: noun]
Example
The movie had some oddball characters that made it more interesting. [oddball: adjective]
eccentric
Example
My neighbor is quite eccentric, always wearing bright colors and decorating her house with unusual items. [eccentric: adjective]
Example
The artist was known for his eccentric personality and avant-garde style. [eccentric: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oddball is more commonly used in everyday language than eccentric. Oddball is a more casual term that can be used to describe anyone who behaves in an unusual way, while eccentric is more formal and often used to describe creative or artistic individuals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oddball and eccentric?
Eccentric is a more formal term than oddball and is often used in more professional or academic contexts. Oddball is a more informal term that is commonly used in everyday conversation.
