Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Unique or exceptional: Being the only one of its kind; unusual or remarkable in character.
   • Peculiar or strange: Deviating from what is usual or expected; odd.
   • (Grammar): Denoting or referring to just one person or thing. This is the grammatical number category that contrasts with "plural."

2. Noun:

   • (Grammar): The form of a word (such as a noun, verb, or pronoun) used to denote a single person or thing. For example, "cat" is the singular of "cats."

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • His singular focus on the project led to its success. (His unique and exceptional focus...)
  • She has a singular talent for mimicry. (She has a remarkable and unusual talent...)
  • The witness gave a singular account of the event that differed from all others. (The witness gave a peculiar and odd account...)
  • In the sentence "The dog barks," the noun "dog" and the verb "barks" are in the singular form.

• Noun:

  • The word "child" is the singular of "children."
  • "Is" is the third-person singular present tense of the verb "to be."

Advanced Usage

• "All and singular": An archaic or formal phrase meaning each and every one; one and all.
  • The law applies to all and singular the citizens of the realm.
• Used to emphasize the remarkable nature of something.
  • It was a singular achievement in the history of science.

Variants and Related Words

• Singularity (noun): The state, fact, or quality of being singular. In physics, it can also refer to a point of infinite density, like in a black hole.
  • The singularity of his vision set him apart from other artists.
• Singularly (adverb): In a remarkable or conspicuous manner; exceptionally.
  • She was singularly devoted to her work.

Synonyms

• Adjective (unique): Unique, unparalleled, unequaled, exceptional.
• Adjective (strange): Peculiar, odd, curious, queer, unusual, bizarre.
• Noun (grammar): Singular form.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Ordinary, common, usual, normal, plural (in grammatical context).
• Noun: Plural.

Related Phrases

• Singular noun: A noun that is in its singular form, denoting one item.
  • "Book" is a singular noun.
• Singular pronoun: A pronoun that refers to one entity (e.g., he, she, it, I).
• Singular they: The use of the pronoun "they" to refer to a single person whose gender is unknown or non-binary.
  • If a student finishes early, they may leave. (Here, "they" is used as a singular pronoun.)

Adjective

1. the single one of its kind
   • a singular example
   • the unique existing example of Donne's handwriting
   • a unique copy of an ancient manuscript
   • certain types of problems have unique solutions
2. grammatical number category referring to a single item or unit
3. composed of one member, set, or kind
4. being a single and separate person or thing
   • can the singular person be understood apart from his culture?
   • every fact in the world might be singular...unlike any other fact and sole of its kind-William James
5. beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
   • a curious hybrid accent
   • her speech has a funny twang
   • they have some funny ideas about war
   • had an odd name
   • the peculiar aromatic odor of cloves
   • something definitely queer about this town
   • what a rum fellow
   • singular behavior
6. unusual or striking
   • a remarkable sight
   • such poise is singular in one so young

Noun

1. the form of a word that is used to denote a singleton