singular
SIHNG-gyuu-luh
Singular (adj) means Remarkably unusual or exceptional; standing out from the ordinary. Example: “She showed singular courage during the crisis.”
adj
1
Remarkably unusual or exceptional; standing out from the ordinary.
"She showed singular courage during the crisis."
"It was very singular; I don't know why he did it."
"The artist had a singular talent for capturing a mood in just a few lines."
"It was a singular honour to be invited to speak."
noun
1
The grammatical form of a word used to refer to just one person or thing.
""Mouse" is the singular; "mice" is the plural."
"Use the singular after "this", as in "this book" rather than "this books"."
"The teacher asked us to change each plural noun into the singular."
How to use singular
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "referring to just one" (grammar) or "remarkably unique" (everyday use).
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "single" — "singular" more often describes something outstanding or the grammatical one-form of a word, not simply "one of."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
singular achievement
singular noun
singular honour
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Word forms
- Plural
- singulars
- Comparative
- more singular
- Superlative
- most singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She showed _____ courage during the crisis.
Etymology
From Latin singulāris ("alone of its kind"), from singulus ("single").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for singular
See all rhymes for singular →Frequently asked questions
What does “singular” mean?
The word “singular” means remarkably unusual or exceptional; standing out from the ordinary. In plain terms, either "referring to just one" (grammar) or "remarkably unique" (everyday use).
How do you pronounce “singular”?
“Singular” is pronounced SIHNG-gyuu-luh (/ˈsɪŋ.ɡjə.lɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “singular” in a sentence?
Here is “singular” used in a sentence: “She showed singular courage during the crisis.”
What part of speech is “singular”?
Depending on how it is used, “singular” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “singular” come from?
The word “singular” comes from Latin. From Latin singulāris ("alone of its kind"), from singulus ("single").
Is “singular” a common word?
“Singular” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “singular” have?
“Singular” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: remarkably unusual or exceptional; standing out from the ordinary.
What is the difference between 'singular' and 'plural' in grammar?
'Singular' refers to the grammatical form of a word used for exactly one person or thing, such as 'cat' or 'child.' 'Plural' refers to the form used for more than one, such as 'cats' or 'children.'
What is the difference between 'singular' and 'unique'?
In its non-grammatical sense, 'singular' means remarkably unusual or exceptional, standing out from the ordinary, often with a slightly formal or literary tone. 'Unique' more strictly means being the only one of its kind, without necessarily implying it is impressive.
When is 'singular' used outside of grammar?
Outside grammar, 'singular' is used as an adjective to describe something remarkably distinctive or exceptional, as in 'a singular achievement.' This usage is more common in formal or literary writing than in everyday speech.
