individualist

[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-list]

noun

1. a person who shows great independence or individuality in thought or action.

2. an advocate of individualism.

Other Word Forms

• individualistic adjective
• superindividualist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of individualist¹

First recorded in 1830–40; individual + -ist

Example Sentences

Part of his appeal also stems from his individualist candor and public distrust of institutions.

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"How do a bunch of individualists and contrarians actually get on with running stuff?" asked one Labour source I was talking to.

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Diehard patriots who betray their country; anti-elitists who worship billionaires; cold-eyed realists living in a fantasy world; rugged individualists fawning over their divine emperor; affirmers of life who embrace death.

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I talk about American society as a hyper individualist society.

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“London produces young, individualist designers from all over the UK and who belong to multiple cultures... London supports and seeks out emerging talent like no other city.”

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