Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Acronyms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia. Being the only one unique valentines for him its kind: the unique existing example of Donne’s handwriting.

Characteristic only of a particular category or entity: a weather pattern that is unique to coastal areas. Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Usage: Unique is normally taken to describe an absolute state, i. She has a very unique ability to inspire people.

However, all such words have undergone semantic development and are used in a number of senses, some of which can be compared by words like more, very, somewhat, and totally and some of which cannot. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. If something is unique, it is the only thing of its kind. Humans are unique because they have the capacity to choose what they do. For emphasis, you can use words such as totally or absolutely in front of unique. By the late 1930’s the country had full employment — an absolutely unique achievement. You can say that something is almost unique.

You suffer from an almost unique mental condition. Some people use unique to mean ‘unusual’. They say, for example, that something is very unique or rather unique. Oh, I say, that’s rather unique, isn’t it? I realized I had hit on something pretty unique. These uses of unique are generally thought to be incorrect. The area has its own unique language, Catalan.

She was a woman of unique talent and determination. This interesting and charming creature is unique to Borneo. Usage: Unique with the meaning `being the only one’ or `having no equal’ describes an absolute state: a case unique in British law. Alone in a given category:lone, one, only, particular, separate, single, singular, sole, solitary.

Idioms: first and last, one and only. Without equal or rival:alone, incomparable, matchless, nonpareil, only, peerless, singular, unequaled, unexampled, unmatched, unparalleled, unrivaled. 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Katy était une femme au talent unique. Cette créature est unique à Bornéo.

Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster’s page for free fun content. Please log in or register to use Flashcards and Bookmarks. English common soldier and of English army life on the frontiers of the Empire.