Individualist: meaning, definitions and examples

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individualist

[ˌɪn.dɪˈvɪdʒ.u.ə.lɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

way of thinking

A person with a belief in the importance of individual freedoms and self-reliance, often valuing independence and autonomy.

Synonyms

free spirit, maverick, nonconformist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
individualist	Use this in situations where someone values independence and self-reliance and tends to think and act according to their own personal beliefs and principles. She is a true individualist, always charting her own course
nonconformist	Use this when referring to someone who does not conform to established customs, attitudes, or ideas, often with a connotation of deliberate defiance or resistance. In a society that values tradition, being a nonconformist often means facing criticism and misunderstanding
maverick	Use this to describe someone who is unconventional and often goes against the norms or expectations in a particular field, usually with a touch of rebelliousness. As a maverick in the tech industry, she has introduced groundbreaking ideas that others were afraid to pursue
free spirit	Use this when describing someone who is not restrained by conventional rules or practices, and prefers to live and think freely. He's such a free spirit, always traveling to new places and meeting new people

Examples of usage

She was known for her individualist approach to life.
His individualist mindset clashed with the group's collective goals.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

economics

An advocate or supporter of individual economic freedom and minimal government intervention in the economy.

Synonyms

capitalist, free market supporter, libertarian.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
individualist	Use this word to describe someone who values personal freedom and independence over group norms or societal expectations. It often relates to personal behavior and attitudes. She's an individualist who prefers to work alone and set her own rules. John's individualist views sometimes clash with team-oriented projects.
capitalist	This term is appropriate when talking about someone who supports an economic system in which trade, industries, and the means of production are largely or entirely privately owned and operated for profit. As a capitalist, she believes in the power of the free market to drive innovation. Capitalists often argue that competition leads to better products and services.
libertarian	Use this term to describe a person who upholds the principle of maximum individual liberty in thought and action. It often includes a political philosophy that advocates for minimal state intervention in the lives of citizens. As a libertarian, she believes that people should be free to make their own choices. Libertarians often campaign for reduced government spending.
free market supporter	This phrase is suitable for describing someone who advocates for minimal government intervention in economic affairs and believes that supply and demand should regulate the economy. Being a free market supporter, he opposes most forms of government regulation. Free market supporters argue that an unregulated market is more efficient.

Examples of usage

The politician was known for his individualist economic policies.
Many entrepreneurs consider themselves individualists in terms of economic philosophy.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

art

An artist or creator who emphasizes personal expression and originality in their work, often rejecting traditional norms or conventions.

Synonyms

avant-garde artist, groundbreaker, innovator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
individualist	Can also refer to a person with a strong sense of self and a distinctive personality, often diverging from societal norms. In his hometown, he's known as an individualist who refuses to follow local traditions. Her individualist fashion sense always makes her stand out.
innovator	Someone who introduces new ideas, products, or methods. This term is often used with a focus on creativity and forward-thinking in various industries, particularly technology and business. Steve Jobs is celebrated as an innovator for his contributions to technology. Her role as an innovator has led to several patents and groundbreaking products.
avant-garde artist	An artist who introduces new and unusual ideas or methods, often ahead of their time. Commonly associated with creative fields like art, music, or literature. This exhibit features works by avant-garde artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. As an avant-garde artist, he enjoys experimenting with unconventional materials.
groundbreaker	Someone who initiates new approaches or innovations, often in a way that significantly changes a field or industry. Frequently used in professional or technological contexts. Marie Curie was a groundbreaker in the field of radioactivity. The company's groundbreaker status is reflected in its revolutionary new product.

Examples of usage

The painter's style was described as individualist, breaking away from traditional techniques.
She was praised for her individualist approach to filmmaking.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'individuus', meaning 'undivided'.
It emerged in English around the early 19th century, during a time of great social and political change.
The word reflects ideas associated with personal freedom and autonomy that developed during the Enlightenment.

Philosophy

Many influential philosophers, like John Stuart Mill, advocated for individualism, arguing it leads to greater human fulfillment.
Existentialists view individualism as a fundamental aspect of authentic living, emphasizing personal choice and responsibility.
In contrast, some philosophers stress the importance of community and how individualism can lead to isolation.

Culture

American culture is often considered individualistic, emphasizing personal success and self-reliance.
In many Eastern cultures, collectivism is more valued, which focuses on group harmony over individual expression.
Movies, books, and art frequently explore themes of individuality, showcasing characters who rebel against societal norms.

Psychology

Studies suggest that individualistic societies often promote self-esteem based on personal achievements.
Research shows that individuals in these societies may experience higher levels of anxiety when adhering to strict social norms.
Psychological theories emphasize the importance of self-concept and its relation to individualistic vs. collectivistic cultural values.

Politics

Individualist political movements often champion civil liberties and oppose authoritarian control.
Libertarianism is a modern political philosophy that heavily incorporates individualism, advocating for minimal state interference.
The emphasis on individual rights can sometimes conflict with policies that promote social welfare.

Translations

Translations of the word "individualist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 individualista

🇮🇳 व्यक्तिवादी

🇩🇪 Individualist

🇮🇩 individualis

🇺🇦 індивідуаліст

🇵🇱 indywidualista

🇯🇵 個人主義者

🇫🇷 individualiste

🇪🇸 individualista

🇹🇷 bireyci

🇰🇷 개인주의자

🇸🇦 فرداني

🇨🇿 individualista

🇸🇰 individualista

🇨🇳 个人主义者

🇸🇮 individualist

🇮🇸 einstaklingshyggjumaður

🇰🇿 жекешіл

🇬🇪 ინდივიდუალისტი

🇦🇿 fərdiyyətçi

🇲🇽 individualista

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,445, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22442 groped
22443 plebeian
22444 blemishes
22445 individualist
22446 backwater
22447 adjuster
22448 eruptive
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