What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
weird
Example
The movie had a weird ending that left me feeling confused. [weird: adjective]
Example
He has a weird sense of humor that not everyone understands. [weird: adjective]
Example
It was weird seeing my teacher at the grocery store. [weird: adjective]
eccentric
Example
My neighbor is an eccentric artist who paints with his feet. [eccentric: adjective]
Example
The museum had an exhibit of eccentric sculptures made from recycled materials. [eccentric: adjective]
Example
She's an eccentric old lady who wears bright colors and talks to her plants. [eccentric: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Weird is more commonly used than eccentric in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage. Eccentric is less common and more formal, and is often used to describe people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between weird and eccentric?
Eccentric is more formal than weird, and is often used in academic or professional settings to describe people or ideas. Weird is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
