individuality
gb/ɪndˌɪvɪd͡ʒuˈælɪti/ us/ɪndˌɪvɪd͡ʒuˈælɪti/
B2
English
~ 8200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
unique qualities of a person
The special qualities that make one person or thing different from all others.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s individuality
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "individuality" with "individual". "Individual" is usually a noun for one person, while "individuality" is the quality that makes that person special or different. Learners also mix it up with "independence"; independence is about not needing help from others, but individuality is about being different from others.
Synonyms
uniqueness (Focuses only on being one of a kind, without the idea of personality or character that individuality often includes.)
|
personality (Emphasizes someone's character and behavior; individuality stresses how those things make a person different from others.)
Antonyms
conformity (Suggests behaving or thinking like others instead of showing what makes you different.)
|
uniformity (Emphasizes everything being the same, with no special or personal differences.)
Collocations
express individuality
|show individuality
|personal individuality
|artistic individuality
|strong sense of individuality
|respect [someone]'s individuality
Themes
identity
|society
|psychology
|art
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- 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.
Learner examples
- 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.
Noun
formal
C1
state
2
separate, distinct existence
The state of being one clear, separate person or thing, not mixed with others.
Usage pattern:
the individuality of [something]
Synonyms
separateness (Focuses on being apart from others, without the added idea of character or personal traits.)
|
distinctness (Emphasizes being clearly different and easy to tell apart from others.)
Antonyms
unity (Focuses on things joining into one whole, instead of remaining separate individuals.)
|
homogeneity (Suggests everything is the same kind, with no clear separate units.)
Collocations
retain its individuality
|lose their individuality
|the individuality of each [member]
|suppress individuality
|threat to individuality
|preserve individuality
Themes
philosophy
|society
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- 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.
Learner examples
- 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.
Grammar
Dictionary form
individuality
IPA
GB/ɪndˌɪvɪd͡ʒuˈælɪti/
US/ɪndˌɪvɪd͡ʒuˈælɪti/
Syllables & stress
in - di - vidu - al - ity (5 syllables)
Stress on 5th syllable (ity)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: individuality
- Plural: individualities, individuality
Word family
Forms
individualities
noun
Core family
individual
adjective B1
individually
adverb B1
Related words
Advanced or less common
individualize
verb C1
Expressions
a sense of individuality
1/ə sˈɛns əv ɪndˌɪvɪd͡ʒuˈælɪti/
fixed phrase
feeling of being personally unique
A feeling that you are your own person, different from others in an important way.
Examples
- 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
1/ɪkspɹˈɛs wˈʌnz ɪndˌɪvɪd͡ʒuˈælɪti/
fixed phrase
show what makes you unique
To show other people your special, personal qualities, tastes, or style.
Examples
- 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
1/lˈuz wˈʌnz ɪndˌɪvɪd͡ʒuˈælɪti/
fixed phrase
stop 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.
Examples
- 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
1/ɹɪtˈeɪn wˈʌnz ɪndˌɪvɪd͡ʒuˈælɪti/
fixed phrase
formal
keep your personal distinctness
To stay clearly yourself and keep your special qualities, even when you are part of a group.
Examples
- 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
1/ʃˈoʊ wˈʌnz ɪndˌɪvɪd͡ʒuˈælɪti/
fixed phrase
make your uniqueness visible
To do something so that people can see how you are different from others.
Examples
- 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.