Unitary: meaning, definitions and examples

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unitary

[ˈjuːnɪtəri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

political

Relating to or characterized by the principle of uniting a number of distinct parts into a whole.

Synonyms

centralized, integrated, unified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unitary	This term is often used in legal, political, or mathematical contexts to describe something that is whole, single, or indivisible. It implies a singular entity without any internal divisions. The country has a unitary system of government, meaning all powers are centralized in the national government. The algebraic structure is considered unitary because it is a single, indivisible entity.
unified	Applicable when referring to entities that have been joined together to form a single, cohesive unit. Can be used in a variety of contexts including organizations, teams, and societies. The two companies were unified under one brand to increase market reach. The team presented a unified front during the negotiations.
centralized	Used when referring to systems or organizations where control or authority is concentrated in a central location or group. Often found in discussions about management, government, or information systems. The company's decision-making process is highly centralized, with all major decisions made at the headquarters. In a centralized database, all data is stored in one central location.
integrated	Best used to describe systems or organizations that have been combined or coordinated to work as a whole. Common in technological, managerial, or social contexts. The software provides an integrated solution by combining various tools in one platform. The new transportation plan is well-integrated with the city's overall infrastructure.

Examples of usage

The party advocates for a unitary government system where power is centralized in one authority.
The unitary state has a single constitution that applies to the entire country.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

mathematics

Of or relating to a system of measurement in which a single unit is used.

Synonyms

consistent, standardized, uniform.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unitary	Used when referring to a system or entity that operates as a single entity or whole. Often used in political, administrative, or organizational contexts. The country adopted a unitary form of government, centralizing all power at the national level
uniform	Used when describing something that is the same in all cases and at all times. Often used in contexts where homogeneity or conformity is required, such as dress codes, procedures, or distributions. The soldiers wore uniform attire during the parade
consistent	Applied when something is marked by coherence, stability, or reliability over time. This word can be used in many contexts, including behavior, performance, and quality. Her consistent effort in studying led to her academic success
standardized	Appropriate when describing something that has been made to conform to a set standard or norm. Commonly used in educational, manufacturing, and procedural contexts. The company implemented a standardized testing procedure to ensure product quality

Examples of usage

The metric system is a unitary system of measurement.
The unitary method involves finding the value of a single unit and then applying it to find the total value.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term ‘unitary’ comes from the Latin word 'unitarius', which means ‘one’.
It was first used in English in the late 19th century to describe centralized governmental systems.

Government

A unitary government is one where all powers are held by a central authority, as opposed to being divided between various branches or levels of government.
Countries like France and Japan operate under a unitary system, promoting uniformity in governance across regions.
In contrast to federal systems, unitary systems can often lead to faster decision-making processes due to centralized control.

Mathematics

In mathematics, a unitary matrix is a complex square matrix whose inverse is equal to its conjugate transpose.
Unitary transformations are important in quantum physics as they preserve the inner product in a Hilbert space, maintaining probabilities.

Philosophy

The concept of unity is often explored in philosophical discussions regarding existence and consciousness, examining the idea of oneness in the universe.
Unitary views can be found in various spiritual traditions that advocate for interconnectedness and holistic perspectives.

Literature

In literary theory, the unitary narrative focuses on a single point of view, presenting a cohesive story without diverging plots.
Authors like Virginia Woolf employed unitary storytelling in some works to create a deeply personal and immersive experience for readers.

Translations

Translations of the word "unitary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 unitário

🇮🇳 एकात्मक

🇩🇪 einheitlich

🇮🇩 unitary

🇺🇦 унітарний

🇵🇱 jednostkowy

🇯🇵 単一の

🇫🇷 unitaire

🇪🇸 unitario

🇹🇷 üniter

🇰🇷 단일의

🇸🇦 وحدوي

🇨🇿 jednotný

🇸🇰 jednotný

🇨🇳 统一的

🇸🇮 enoten

🇮🇸 einingar

🇰🇿 біртұтас

🇬🇪 ერთიანი

🇦🇿 vahid

🇲🇽 unitario

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,546, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11543 deceptive
11544 lounge
11545 juncture
11546 unitary
11547 placenta
11548 ballast
11549 subsurface
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