Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or characterized by the belief that the individual and their interests are paramount: Pertaining to a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.
   • Marked by or expressing individuality; distinctive: Having a unique character or style that sets one apart from others.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a philosophy or attitude:
  • The country's culture is highly individualistic, valuing personal achievement over group harmony.
  • His individualistic approach to politics often put him at odds with his own party.
• Describing a distinctive personal style or action:
  • She has an individualistic fashion sense, never following trends.
  • The artist's individualistic technique makes her work instantly recognizable.

Advanced Usage

• "Individualistic society": A society where social behavior is oriented toward the interests of the individual and personal independence is highly valued.
  • Compared to many East Asian cultures, the United States is often described as an individualistic society.
• "Individualistic interpretation": A unique or personal understanding of something, such as a law, text, or event.
  • The judge's ruling was an individualistic interpretation of the constitutional clause.

Variants and Related Words

• Individualism (n): The habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant; a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals.
  • A spirit of individualism pervaded the pioneer community.
• Individualist (n): A person who is independent and self-reliant; a person who behaves or thinks in an individualistic way.
  • He was a staunch individualist who refused to conform.

Synonyms

• Independent: Free from outside control; not depending on another's authority.
• Self-reliant: Reliant on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others.
• Idiosyncratic: Peculiar or individual.

Antonyms

• Collectivistic: Relating to a system or theory that emphasizes the group over the individual.
• Conformist: A person who conforms to accepted behavior or established practices.

Adjective

1. with minimally restricted freedom in commerce
2. marked by or expressing individuality
   • an individualistic way of dressing