Definition

Noun: 1. The state or quality of being single, undivided, or alone: This refers to the condition of not being multiple, combined, or accompanied by others. It can describe physical separation or a state of being unmarried. 2. Undivided attention or purpose; wholehearted concentration on one thing: This refers to a focused, unwavering commitment to a single aim, goal, or principle, without distraction or conflicting interests.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to an undivided state or purpose:
  • His singleness of purpose made him a formidable leader. (His complete and unwavering focus on one goal made him a formidable leader.)
  • The success of the project was due to the team's singleness of vision. (The project succeeded because the team shared one unified vision.)
• Referring to the state of being alone or unmarried (less common in modern usage):
  • In her singleness, she found great independence. (In her unmarried state, she found great independence.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Singleness of heart/mind": Sincerity and undivided loyalty.
  • She served the community with a remarkable singleness of heart. (She served the community with remarkable sincerity and wholehearted dedication.)
• The term often carries a positive connotation of purity of intention, dedication, and focus, as seen in the reference context questioning the "singleness of his motives."

Variants and Related Words

• Single (adj): Only one; not married.
• Singular (adj): Exceptional; unusual; referring to one person or thing (grammar).
• Singularity (n): The state, fact, or quality of being singular.

Synonyms

• Unity: The state of being united or joined as a whole.
• Focus: The center of interest or activity; concentrated attention.
• Concentration: The action or power of focusing one's attention.
• Solemnity (in the sense of earnest commitment): The state or quality of being serious and dignified.
• Celibacy (specifically for unmarried state): The state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations.

Antonyms

• Duplicity: Deceitfulness; double-dealing.
• Distraction: A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.
• Division: The action of separating something into parts.
• Multiplicity: A large number or variety.

Idioms and Phrases

• With singleness of purpose: Doing something with complete and undivided dedication to one goal.
  • They pursued the scientific breakthrough with singleness of purpose.

Noun

1. the quality of concentrating on one central objective
   • his singleness of purpose
2. without hypocrisy
   • the singleness of his motives could not be questioned