unique Hear it!

unique definition

unique (yo̵̅o̅ nēk′)

adjective

  1. one and only; single; sole a unique specimen
  2. having no like or equal; unparalleled a unique achievement
  3. highly unusual, extraordinary, rare, etc.: a common usage still objected to by some

Etymology: Fr < L unicus, single < unus, one

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

unique Synonyms

unique

modif.

  1. Existing only in one known example

    single, sole, peerless, matchless, incomparable, unprecedented, unparalleled, unequaled, unrivaled, unsurpassed, novel, nonpareil, unapproachable, unapproached, anomalous, individual, sole, sui generis (Latin), unexampled, lone, different, unequaled.

    Antonyms common*, frequent*, many*. *

  2. Rare

    uncommon, freakish, bizarre; see unusual 2.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

unique Usage Examples

Preposition: in

  • respect: After all, the computer is hardly unique in this respect.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • want: We also offer a compete bespoke service for those wanting something unique.

Modifies a noun

  • identifier: It is the unique identifier of every title that bears it.

Modifying Another Word

  • truly: A truly unique speaker, perfect for our Leading Edge Convention.

Preposition: because

  • bride: The service is also rather unique because the bride and groom do not make vows to each other?
unique usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

unique quotes

Murder is a unique crime for which we can never make reparation.

-Baroness

It is the American vice, the democratic disease which expresses its tyranny by reducing everything unique to the level of the herd.

-Miller, Henry Valentine

The sonatas of Mozart are unique; they are too easy for children, and too difficult for artists.

-Schnabel, Artur

unique quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"unique." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/unique>

APA Style

unique. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/unique

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