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Unique Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unique

[juˈniːk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

characteristics

Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.

Synonyms

distinct, exclusive, singular.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unique

This word is best used when describing something or someone that is one of a kind and has no equal or equivalent.

  • Her style is truly unique; I've never seen anything like it.
  • This artifact is unique; no other piece like it exists in the world.
distinct

Use this word when emphasizing the clear differences between two or more items or when something stands out clearly.

  • The two species are distinct, with different physical characteristics.
  • He has a distinct way of speaking that makes him easily recognizable.
singular

Use this word to describe something remarkably great or very noticeable, often with a somewhat formal tone.

  • He had a singular talent for playing the piano, unmatched by his peers.
  • Her beauty was singular, capturing everyone's attention wherever she went.
exclusive

Best used to describe something that is limited to a particular person, group, or area, often implying a sense of privilege or high status.

  • This club is highly exclusive, only accepting a few new members every year.
  • She got an exclusive interview with the famous actor, which no other reporter was able to get.

Examples of usage

  • It was a unique opportunity to visit the abandoned castle.
  • Her unique sense of style always stood out in a crowd.
  • The artist's work was truly unique and innovative.
Context #2 | Noun

identifier

A unique person or thing.

Synonyms

individual, one-of-a-kind, special.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unique

Use 'unique' to describe something that is one of a kind and unmatched in comparison to anything else. It indicates that there is nothing else like it.

  • Her approach to the problem was unique and highly effective.
  • This antique vase is unique; it's the only one left from the 18th century.
individual

This word is often used to refer to a single person, object, or element within a larger group. It emphasizes the singularity of an entity as opposed to the collective.

  • Each individual in the team has a specific role to play.
  • The artist pays attention to each individual brushstroke.
special

This word can be used to indicate that something or someone has a distinctive quality that distinguishes it or them from others. It often carries a positive connotation of being valued or cherished.

  • This is a special occasion, so let's celebrate.
  • She has always been special to me because of her kindness.
one-of-a-kind

Similar to 'unique,' but often more informal, this phrase is used to highlight that something is exceptionally rare and unlike anything else. It is often used to emphasize special qualities.

  • The handcrafted jewelry she makes is truly one-of-a-kind.
  • His sense of humor is one-of-a-kind; I've never met anyone quite like him.

Examples of usage

  • She was a true unique, never conforming to societal norms.
  • The antique shop had many unique items for sale.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate individuality, with festivals highlighting unique talents, such as arts and crafts fairs that promote local artisans.
  • In fashion, being unique is seen as a statement of personality, with many people striving to express themselves through one-of-a-kind styles.
  • Different cultures have unique customs and traditions, making each society distinct and important in the global narrative.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people often seek out unique experiences as a way to boost happiness and life satisfaction.
  • Feeling 'unique' or special is linked to personal identity development, playing a crucial role in self-esteem.
  • People tend to remember unique events or items more easily because they stand out in memory compared to mundane ones.

Pop Culture

  • Songs like 'Born This Way' by Lady Gaga celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and encourage self-acceptance.
  • Movies often portray the journey of unique characters discovering their own identities, such as in 'The Pursuit of Happyness.'
  • Social media influencers promote uniqueness through trends like 'quirky fashion' or 'uncommon hobbies,' encouraging followers to embrace their interests.

Science

  • In biology, every organism is unique at a genetic level, showcasing the incredible diversity of life on Earth.
  • An ecosystem's health often depends on the uniqueness of its species, indicating the importance of biodiversity.
  • Scientific studies on fingerprints show that even identical twins have unique patterns, reinforcing the individuality concept.

Origin of 'unique'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'unicus,' which means 'one' or 'single,' emphasizing its one-of-a-kind nature.
  • In the early 19th century, the word started appearing more frequently in English to describe things that stand out distinctly.
  • Some early uses in literature described objects, people, and ideas that were considered exceptional or rare.

The word 'unique' comes from the Latin word 'unicus', meaning 'one and only'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe something that is unparalleled or unmatched. Over time, 'unique' has become a popular term to emphasize the distinctiveness or exclusivity of a person or thing.

See also: uniquely, uniqueness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,938, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.