Singular

Definition

Singular describes something that is unique, exceptional, or unusual; in grammar, it denotes the form of a word used to refer to one person, place, thing, or idea. As a noun, it refers to the singular form of a word.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈsɪŋ.ɡjə.lər/
• Respelling: SING-gyuh-ler

British English

• IPA: /ˈsɪŋ.ɡjʊ.lə/
• Respelling: SING-gyuh-luh

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin singularis ‘one by one, unique,’ from singulus ‘each one.’

Derivatives

• singularity (noun)
• singularly (adverb)
• singularize (verb)
• singularness (noun)

Synonyms

• unique
• exceptional
• remarkable
• individual
• uncommon

Antonyms

• plural
• ordinary
• common
• multiple

Usage

"Her approach to the problem was truly singular."

"In grammar, the singular form of ‘child’ is ‘child,’ while the plural is ‘children.’"

Related Terms

• Unique: Being the only one of its kind.
• Singularity: The quality of being singular.
• Plural: The form used to indicate more than one.
• Dual: Denoting two.
• Individual: Separate or distinct.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Unique or exceptional – remarkable in character or worth.
  • Example: "He displayed a singular talent for languages."
• Unusual or odd – deviating from the norm.
  • Example: "She has a singular sense of humor."
• Grammar: denoting one – referring to a single entity.
  • Example: "‘Book’ is the singular of ‘books.’"

Noun

• The singular form of a word – the variant used to indicate one.
  • Example: "In the sentence ‘The cat sleeps,’ ‘cat’ is the singular."