What does "singular" mean?
A form of a word that refers to only one person or thing.
Singular
/ˈsɪŋ.ɡjə.lɚ/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A form of a word that refers to only one person or thing.
- Grammar: singular is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: a certain, abnormal, absolute, absurd.
- Useful contrasts: collective trait, common, invertible.
- Usage evidence: He is a boy of singular intelligence.
How to use "singular"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "singular" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "singular" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "singular" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "singular" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "singular" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "a certain" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "singular", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A form of a word that refers to only one person or thing.
- 2 the form of a word that is used to denote a singleton wordnet
- 3 That which is not general; a specific determinate instance.
Adjective
- 1 Being only one of a larger population; single, individual.
"A singular experiment cannot be regarded as scientific proof of the existence of a phenomenon."
- 2 Being the only one of the kind; unique.
"She has a singular personality."
- 3 Distinguished by superiority: peerless, unmatched, eminent, exceptional, extraordinary.
"a man of singular gravity or attainments"
- 4 Out of the ordinary; curious.
"It was very singular; I don't know why he did it."
- 5 Referring to only one thing or person.
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 Having no inverse.
- 7 Having the property that the matrix of coefficients of the new variables has a determinant equal to zero.
- 8 Not equal to its own cofinality.
- 9 Each; individual.
"to convey several parcels of land, all and singular"
- 10 Engaged in by only one on a side; single. obsolete
"Thus made he an end, and the two princes allowed well of his last motion, and so order was taken, that they should fight togither in a singular combat"
Adjective
- 1 being a single and separate person or thing wordnet
- 2 beyond or deviating from the usual or expected wordnet
- 3 unusual or striking wordnet
- 4 grammatical number category referring to a single item or unit wordnet
- 5 composed of one member, set, or kind wordnet
Show 1 more definition
- 6 the single one of its kind wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"He is a boy of singular intelligence."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "singular"?
Common synonyms include: a certain, abnormal, absolute, absurd, alone, an.
How do you use "singular" in a sentence?
He is a boy of singular intelligence.
How do you pronounce "singular"?
Pronounced /ˈsɪŋ.ɡjə.lɚ/.
Etymology
From Middle English singuler, from Old French, from Latin singulāris (“alone of its kind”), from Latin singulus (“single”).