individuality

American  

[in-duh-vij-oo-al-i-tee] / ˌɪn dəˌvɪdʒ uˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

individualities

1. the particular character, or aggregate of qualities, that distinguishes one person or thing from others; sole and personal nature.

   a person of marked individuality.

2. individualities, individual characteristics.

3. a person or thing of individual or distinctive character.

4. state or quality of being individual; existence as a distinct individual.

5. the interests of the individual as distinguished from the interests of the community.

6. Archaic. state or quality of being indivisible or inseparable.

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individuality British  

/ ˌɪndɪˌvɪdjʊˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. distinctive or unique character or personality

   a work of great individuality

2. the qualities that distinguish one person or thing from another; identity

3. the state or quality of being a separate entity; discreteness

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Related Words

See character.

Other Word Forms

• nonindividuality
  noun

Etymology

Origin of individuality

First recorded in 1605–15; individual + -ity

Explanation

Whether it’s eating breakfast for lunch, learning Celtic step dancing, building birdhouses from popsicle sticks, showing off your shark tattoo, or speaking with an Australian accent on Tuesdays, all of these things can express your individuality, meaning what makes you unique. Use the noun individuality to refer to the sum total of characteristics that make up a particular individual. Individuality consists of the good, the bad — and even the crazy — that make a person distinct. The word can be describe the state or value of being unique, like the members of a group whose individuality makes for lively discussions, or a having your car painted a special color — neon green, perhaps? — to express the owner's individuality.

Example Sentences

Individuality and bold colors are both trending for 2023.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 27, 2023

Individuality and initiative were always persecuted, because "vsiakaya vlast' — ot Boga."

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2022

It’s a miraculous recipe that never gets old to these ears: Individuality expressed creatively, joyfully and unreservedly, in concert with peers in service to a unifying, higher principle: That’s America to me.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 4, 2018

Individuality and diversity lead to surprising film music.

From Washington Post • Aug. 16, 2017

The other boys had taken to calling him Mr. Individuality.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

Related Words

• distinctiveness
• eccentricity
• humor
• identity
• idiosyncrasy
• individualism
• oneness
• originality
• temperament
• uniqueness
• unity