Can something be 'very unique'?

Traditionally, 'unique' is an absolute adjective (something is or isn't unique), so 'very unique' is often considered non-standard or a colloquial intensifier. In formal writing, use 'truly unique', 'absolutely unique', or simply 'unique'.

What is the difference between 'uniqueness' and 'individuality'?

'Individuality' stresses the distinct qualities that make a person or thing an individual separate from others. 'Uniqueness' is stronger, implying being the only one of its kind, often with an element of incomparability.

Is 'uniqueness' a positive word?

It is typically neutral or positive, denoting a special or rare quality. However, it can be used neutrally in technical contexts (e.g., 'the uniqueness constraint in the database').

What is the verb related to 'uniqueness'?

There is no standard, commonly accepted verb. Technical or informal coinages like 'uniquify' exist, but in standard English, you would use phrases like 'make unique', 'give a unique character to', or 'differentiate'.

uniqueness

UK/juːˈniːk.nəs/US/juˈniːk.nəs/

Formal, neutral, academic

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

The quality of being the only one of its kind; being unlike anything else.

The distinct or exceptional character that sets something or someone apart from others; often implying special value, rarity, or a defining characteristic.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The term is an abstract noun derived from 'unique'. It inherently carries a positive or neutral evaluation, denoting distinctiveness. It is often used in evaluative contexts (e.g., scientific, artistic, personal).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are standard.

Connotations

Slightly more formal in everyday British English; common in both academic and business registers in both varieties.

Frequency

Comparably frequent in both varieties.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

inherent uniquenesssheer uniquenessabsolute uniquenessbiological uniquenesscultural uniqueness

medium

highlight the uniquenesspreserve the uniquenesscelebrate the uniquenesssense of uniqueness

weak

great uniquenessspecial uniquenessown uniqueness

Grammar

Valency Patterns

the uniqueness of [NOUN PHRASE]due to its uniquenesswhat gives [something] its uniqueness is...argue for the uniqueness of

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

one-of-a-kind natureunparalleled naturepeerlessnessinimitability

Neutral

distinctivenessindividualitysingularityparticularity

Weak

specialnessdifferentnessrarity

Vocabulary

Antonyms

commonnessordinarinesstypicalitystandardnessuniformity

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“[Not commonly used in idioms. The concept is expressed directly.]”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Used to describe a company's unique selling proposition (USP) or competitive advantage: 'The brand's uniqueness lies in its artisanal production methods.'

Academic

Frequent in philosophy, biology, and social sciences to discuss exceptional cases or irreducible qualities: 'The study challenges the assumed uniqueness of human tool use.'

Everyday

Used to describe people, places, or experiences: 'We fell in love with the uniqueness of the little coastal village.'

Technical

In mathematics and logic, refers to a property where only one entity satisfies a condition; in computing, refers to non-repeating data values.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

The process uniquifies the data set.
They sought to unique their product offering.

American English

The algorithm uniquifies the entries.
We need to unique our approach.

Examples

By CEFR Level

Her dress has a special uniqueness.
I like the uniqueness of your idea.

The uniqueness of this ancient statue makes it very valuable.
Every person has their own uniqueness.

The architect emphasised the building's uniqueness by blending modern and traditional styles.
Scientists debate the uniqueness of human language in the animal kingdom.

The treaty's legal uniqueness stems from its binding environmental clauses.
Critics argued that the film's purported uniqueness was merely a rehashing of familiar tropes.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'YOU are the only ONE' → 'U-NIQUE-ness'. It's the state of being the only one.

Conceptual Metaphor

UNIQUENESS IS A FINGERPRINT (inherent, identifying, impossible to replicate exactly).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct calque from Russian 'уникальность' for simple 'rarity' or 'strangeness'. English 'uniqueness' more strongly implies being one-of-a-kind, not just rare. Confusion with 'особенность' (feature/trait) – 'uniqueness' is the *quality* of being special, not the special feature itself.

Common Mistakes

Using 'a uniqueness' (usually uncountable: 'Its uniqueness is...'). Overuse weakening its meaning ('everyone's uniqueness'). Confusing with 'unity'.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The of the fossil convinced paleontologists they had discovered a new species.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'uniqueness' used most precisely?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Traditionally, 'unique' is an absolute adjective (something is or isn't unique), so 'very unique' is often considered non-standard or a colloquial intensifier. In formal writing, use 'truly unique', 'absolutely unique', or simply 'unique'.
: 'Individuality' stresses the distinct qualities that make a person or thing an individual separate from others. 'Uniqueness' is stronger, implying being the only one of its kind, often with an element of incomparability.
: It is typically neutral or positive, denoting a special or rare quality. However, it can be used neutrally in technical contexts (e.g., 'the uniqueness constraint in the database').
: There is no standard, commonly accepted verb. Technical or informal coinages like 'uniquify' exist, but in standard English, you would use phrases like 'make unique', 'give a unique character to', or 'differentiate'.