1
Core quality
Remarkably unusual, exceptional, or unique in character.
Example
The manuscript is of singular importance to the field.
singular
/ˈsɪŋɡjʊlə/ · SING-gyuh-luradjective
Remarkably unusual, exceptional, or unique in character.
Use singular to express this relationship precisely: remarkably unusual, exceptional, or unique in character.
What singular Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Her singular style resisted easy classification.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The storm caused damage on a singular scale.
Use singular Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The manuscript is of singular importance to the field.
Her singular style resisted easy classification.
The storm caused damage on a singular scale.
Precision Matters
Singular overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
singular
vs.Means remarkably unusual, exceptional, or unique in character.
ubiquitous
Means present or encountered virtually everywhere.
singular
vs.Means remarkably unusual, exceptional, or unique in character.
conventional
Means based on established practice, tradition, or general acceptance.
singular
vs.Means remarkably unusual, exceptional, or unique in character.
nominal
Means existing in name or official title only rather than in reality; also, very small or token in amount.
singular
vs.Means remarkably unusual, exceptional, or unique in character.
distinctive
Means having a characteristic that makes something recognisably different from others.
Test singular in Context
The combination is exceptionally distinctive and unlike others.
1
The artist's ___ combination of mathematical precision and playful colour made her work instantly recognizable.