unique

The word “unique” means being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else. In plain terms, one of a kind — nothing else is quite like it.

“Unique” is pronounced yoo-NEEK (/juːˈniːk/ in IPA).

Here is “unique” used in a sentence: “Every snowflake is said to be unique.”

Words with a similar meaning to “unique” include alone, azygous, incomparable, matchless, nonpareil and only.

The opposite of “unique” — its antonyms — are common and normal.

“Unique” is an adjective.

The word “unique” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French unique, from Latin unicus ("only, sole").

“Unique” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Strictly, no. Unique means one of a kind — an absolute state with no degrees, so something either is unique or isn't. Purists reject 'very unique' or 'quite unique' for the same reason you can't be 'very only.' In casual speech people say it for emphasis, but careful writing avoids it.

'Unusual' means rare or uncommon — there could still be others like it. 'Unique' is stronger: it means the only one of its kind, with nothing else quite like it. A purple car is unusual because most cars aren't purple; a one-off handmade car is unique because no other exists.

A person's fingerprints are unique — no two people share the same pattern. Other examples include a snowflake's structure, an original painting like the Mona Lisa, or your DNA. Each is the only one of its kind. The word also describes distinctive qualities, as in 'a unique voice' or 'a unique flavor.'

Usually, yes. Calling something unique often praises it as special, original, and distinctive. But it can be neutral or even a gentle euphemism — describing an odd choice as 'unique' may politely avoid saying it's strange. Tone and context decide whether it flatters or simply marks something as one of a kind.