Word
individuality
Phoneticsin·di·vid·u·al·i·ty, stress on the fifth syllable
US/ˌɪnˌdɪvɪdʒuˈæɫɪti/
UK/ˌɪndɪvˌɪdjuːˈælɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the qualities that make a person or thing different from everyone else.
n. the quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind.
Examples
“She expresses her individuality through her unique style of clothing.”
“The school encourages students to develop their individuality rather than simply following the crowd.”
“In an era of mass production, many consumers seek out handmade goods as a way to assert their own sense of individuality and personal taste.”
Examples
simple
“She expresses her individuality through her unique style of clothing.”
contextual
“The school encourages students to develop their individuality rather than simply following the crowd.”
complex
“In an era of mass production, many consumers seek out handmade goods as a way to assert their own sense of individuality and personal taste.”
Usage
Typically used in the abstract sense; when referring to specific traits, 'individual characteristics' is more common.
Real-World Examples
“The son of puppeteers and the first to perform both Yoda and Miss Piggy, Oz had individuality and scene-setting in his DNA.” “It created a powerful effect of formlessness and loss of individuality, whether appearing on paintings, sculptures or even the human body – her own or other people’s.” Etymology
From individual + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/individuality