# Sui

/ˈsui/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sui
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

describing something that is the only one of its kind. It is a Latin phrase used to say that a person or thing is unique and cannot be compared to others.

For teachers: constituting a class of its own; unique or peculiar in character. Often follows a linking verb or is used as a postpositive modifier to emphasize that the subject lacks a direct equivalent.

## Examples

- Her style of painting is truly sui generis.
- The legal case was considered sui generis because it involved a set of circumstances never before seen in court.
- While many artists claim originality, his architectural designs are genuinely sui generis, defying any attempt to categorize them within existing modern or classical movements.

## Usage notes

- Almost exclusively used as part of the Latin phrase 'sui generis'. It typically follows the noun it modifies or appears after a linking verb like 'be'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.