individuality
unique qualities of a person
The special qualities that make one person or thing different from all others.
[someone]'s individuality
- The school encourages students to express their individuality through art and music.
- Even in a big company, she tries hard not to lose her individuality.
- His clothing style is unusual, but it reflects his individuality.
- The novel celebrates the individuality of each character rather than presenting stereotypes.
- Social media can make it difficult for teenagers to develop a strong sense of individuality.
- The teacher wants us to show our individuality in our projects.
- She wears bright colors to express her individuality.
- It is important to keep your individuality when you join a new group.
- The city is full of people with different individuality.
- Music is a way for him to show his individuality.
separate, distinct existence
The state of being one clear, separate person or thing, not mixed with others.
the individuality of [something]
- In the colony, the ants appear to lose their individuality and function as a single organism.
- The architect wanted each building to retain its individuality while still fitting into the overall design.
- Some fear that globalization will erase the cultural individuality of small nations.
- Modern factories often reduce workers to numbers, ignoring their individuality.
- The study examines how group behavior can override the individuality of its members.
- In a big crowd, it is easy to feel your individuality disappear.
- Every child in the class has individuality, even if they wear the same uniform.
- The company tries to keep the individuality of each brand it owns.
- The animals move together, but each one still has its own individuality.
- Base: individuality
- Plural: individualities, individuality
a sense of individuality
1feeling of being personally unique
A feeling that you are your own person, different from others in an important way.
- Traveling alone helped her develop a strong sense of individuality.
- The school tries to build a sense of individuality as well as teamwork.
- Artists often have a deep sense of individuality from a young age.
express one's individuality
1show what makes you unique
To show other people your special, personal qualities, tastes, or style.
- Teenagers often use fashion to express their individuality.
- The art class gives students freedom to express their individuality in different media.
- She feels she can truly express her individuality when she dances.
lose one's individuality
1stop being clearly yourself
To become so much like other people, or so controlled by a group, that your special personal qualities are no longer seen.
- He worries that he will lose his individuality if he joins the large corporation.
- Some students feel they lose their individuality when they must wear a strict uniform.
- In the band, she tries not to lose her individuality as a musician.
retain one's individuality
1keep your personal distinctness
To stay clearly yourself and keep your special qualities, even when you are part of a group.
- The designer wants each apartment to retain its individuality within the complex.
- She manages to retain her individuality while working in a very traditional office.
- The small cafés retain their individuality despite being part of a chain.
show one's individuality
1make your uniqueness visible
To do something so that people can see how you are different from others.
- Students can show their individuality in the final project.
- She shows her individuality through her writing style.
- Many people use their social media profile to show their individuality.