individuality

[ in-duh-vij-oo-al-i-tee ]

/ ˌɪn dəˌvɪdʒ uˈæl ɪ ti /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR individuality ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural in·di·vid·u·al·i·ties.

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

individualities, individual characteristics.

a person or thing of individual or distinctive character.

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

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

Archaic. state or quality of being indivisible or inseparable.

Nearby words

individual psychology, individual retirement account, individualism, individualist, individualistic, individuality, individualize, individually, individuate, individuation, individuation field

Origin of individuality

First recorded in 1605–15; individual + -ity

Related formsnon·in·di·vid·u·al·i·ty, noun, plural non·in·di·vid·u·al·i·ties.

Synonym study

1. See character.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for individuality

There are still gorgeous gowns being produced, Tfank insists, but the individuality seems to have diminished.
Barbara Tfank: The Red Carpet Radical|Erin Cunningham|March 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But some fashion-conscious Sikhs are reclaiming the individuality of their headdress.
Celebrating Sikh Style|Soraya Roberts|October 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In recounting these anecdotes and laughing at their own punch lines, the young men were asserting their individuality.
In Palestinian Theater's New York Performance, the Play After the Play is the Thing|Lisa Goldman|September 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
You can become free “by giving everything up—possessions, individuality, ego.”
The Making of a Monster: Charles Manson’s Childhood|Wendy Smith|August 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST

It was an era of individuality, and it focused on the one-off and the unique.
New Exhibition Club to Catwalk at Victoria & Albert Museum|Chloë Ashby|July 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Was she merely a creature bred of the teeming earth, or had she an individuality beyond the earth?
Jess|H. Rider Haggard
You can't imagine its individuality, its airy, unsubstantial, superior poise.
The Pool in the Desert|Sara Jeanette Duncan
The union is the closest possible without destruction of our individuality.
Expositions of Holy Scripture|Alexander Maclaren
That is where individuality comes in—the "personal equation."
Woodworking for Beginners|Charles Gardner Wheeler
His speaking has always been from the fulness of his heart and with all the energy of his individuality.
Eli and Sibyl Jones|Rufus Matthew Jones

British Dictionary definitions for individuality

individuality

/ (ˌɪndɪˌvɪdjʊˈælɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

distinctive or unique character or personalitya work of great individuality

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

the state or quality of being a separate entity; discreteness

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for individuality

individuality

"the aggregate of one's idiosyncrasies," 1610s, from individual + -ity. Meaning "fact of existing as an individual" is from 1650s.

individuality

noun, plural in·di·vid·u·al·i·ties.

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Nearby words

Origin of individuality

Synonym study

Examples from the Web for individuality

British Dictionary definitions for individuality

individuality

noun plural -ties

Word Origin and History for individuality

individuality