unique

u•nique

[[t]yuˈnik[/t]] adj.

1) existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type or characteristics

2) having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable

3) limited in occurrence to a given class, situation, or area

4) not typical; unusual:

She has a very unique ability to inspire people[/ex]

5) the embodiment of unique characteristics; the only one of a given kind

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Etymology: 1595–1605; < F < L ūnicus, der. of ūn(us) one u•nique′ly, adv. u•nique′ness, n. usage: Many usage guides, editors, teachers, and others maintain that such “absolute” words as complete, equal, perfect, and esp. unique cannot be compared because the condition they denote cannot be more or less than it already is. However, all such words have undergone semantic development and are used in a number of senses, some of which can be compared by words like more, very, somewhat, and totally and some of which cannot. The earliest meanings of unique when it entered English around 1600 were “single, sole” and “having no equal.” By the mid-19th century unique had developed a wider meaning, “not typical, unusual,” and it is in this wider sense that it is compared: The foliage on the late-blooming plants is more unique than that on the earlier varieties. Such comparison, though criticized, is standard in all varieties of speech and writing. See also a I, complete, perfect .