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.

---

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

---

Related Words

See character.

Other Word Forms

• nonindividuality noun

Etymology

Origin of individuality

First recorded in 1605–15; individual + -ity

Example Sentences

Mr. Klosterman views football as a martial game in which organization, rules and technology repress individuality.

From The Wall Street Journal

Long reserved for women or military dress, brooches adorned men's chests during Milan Fashion Week, a throwback to a bygone era but with jewellery now signalling individuality, not just status.

From Barron's

That purpose could be the urge to compel people to surrender their individuality to a pooled consciousness, portrayed with frightening, infuriating effectiveness in this show and “Sinners.”

From Salon

He let his films’ individuality be the star.

From Los Angeles Times

However strict a teacher, Rakha believed in individuality, carbon copies being for the waste bin.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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