English Reference
Adverb

singularly

adv. manner
C1 Advanced US /ˈsɪŋɡjəɫɝɫi/ UK /sˈɪŋɡjʊləli/ sin·gu·lar·ly

adv.in a way that is very unusual or different from what you would normally expect. It can also mean that something is done by one person alone.

adv.in a manner that is distinct, unusual, or unique; also used to emphasize that an action is performed by a single individual or entity.


SIMPLE

The old man lived singularly in a small cabin in the woods.

CONTEXTUAL

The witness provided a singularly detailed account of the events, which helped the investigators solve the case.

COMPLEX

While the rest of the committee was divided on the issue, the director acted singularly to veto the proposal, citing long-term strategic concerns that others had overlooked.

The second half deposits him in the thick of the 15th-century Hussite wars where, cowardly to the core, he singularly fails to cover himself in glory.

The Guardian· 3 Sept 2026

From Middle English singulerly; equivalent to singular + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English singulerly
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated