The singular form of a word is the form that is used when referring to one person or thing.
...the fifteen case endings of the singular form of the Finnish noun.
The word 'you' can be singular or plural.
Synonyms: single, individual More Synonyms of singular
2. singular noun
The singular of a noun is the form of it that is used to refer to one person or thing.
The singular of Inuit is Inuk. [+ of]
3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
Singular means very great and remarkable.
[formal]
...a smile of singular sweetness.
Barre was quickly drawn into the electoral arena, although with singular lack ofsuccess.
Synonyms: remarkable, unique, extraordinary, outstanding More Synonyms of singular
singularlyadverb [ADVERB adjective/adverb]
It seemed a singularly ill-judged enterprise for him to undertake.
...a former sales executive singularly unsuited for the job.
Synonyms: remarkably, particularly, exceptionally, especially More Synonyms of singular
4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
If you describe someone or something as singular, you mean that they are strange or unusual.
[old-fashioned]
Cardinal Meschia was without doubt a singular character.
Where he got that singular notion I just can't think.
Synonyms: unusual, odd, strange, extraordinary More Synonyms of singular
singularity (sɪŋgjʊlærɪti)uncountable noun
...his abrupt, turbulent style and the singularity of his appearance. [+ of]
Synonyms: oddity, abnormality, eccentricity, peculiarity More Synonyms of singular
English Easy Learning GrammarGender of nounsIn some languages, nouns have gender. This means that a noun causes other words suchas adjectives to change their spelling according to certain rules. ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarNumber in nounsSingular number is used when the noun refers to one item. Plural number is used whenthe noun refers to more than one item. Countable nouns have both singular ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarParts of speechSentences are made up of words. A sentence can be made up of any number of words. He left us. The man in the corner lowered his newspaper. Whenever I see ... Read more
singular in British English
(ˈsɪŋɡjʊlə)
adjective
1.
remarkable; exceptional; extraordinary
a singular feat
2.
unusual; odd
a singular character
3.
unique
4.
denoting a word or an inflected form of a word indicating that not more than one referent is being referred to or described
5. logic
of or referring to a specific thing or person as opposed to something general
noun
6. grammar
a.
the singular number
b.
a singular form of a word
Derived forms
singularly (ˈsingularly)
adverb
singularness (ˈsingularness)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Latin singulārissingle
singular in American English
(ˈsɪŋgjələr)
adjective
1.
being the only one of its kind; single; unique
a singular specimen
2.
exceptional; extraordinary; remarkable
singular beauty
3.
peculiar; strange; odd
what a singular remark!
4. Archaic
existing apart from others; separate; individual
5. Grammar
designating or of the category of number that refers to only one person or thing
6. Logic
of an individual or particular thing considered by itself
noun
7. Grammar
a.
the singular number
b.
the singular form of a word
c.
a word in singular form
8. Logic
a thing considered apart from all others
Derived forms
singularly (ˈsingularly)
adverb
Word origin
ME singuler < OFr < L singularis < singulus, single
Examples of 'singular' in a sentence
singular
There is no grammatical objection to using any of them as a singular noun.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
And that is the astonishing thing about this singular champion.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Not to do so is indicative of a singular lack of social graces.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Buyers should not be allowed to alter the singular character of clubs they invest in.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Perhaps because she wrote in the first person singular.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Yet this sort of use of yourself and yourselves can distinguish between singular and plural.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Its staging shows a singular lack of judgment on your part.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Hardly a line does not include the first person singular.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Yet sometimes plural or singular agreement depends on meaning rather than strict syntax.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
They and their can be singular or plural.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This singular character retains a fiercely independent grip on his craft and delivers songs of real emotional depth.
The Sun (2013)
No singular person plants a church.
Christianity Today (2000)
Everybody is a singular pronoun and requires a singular possessive pronoun: his or her.
Bachmann, Susan (editor) & Barth, Melinda Between Worlds: A Reader, Rhetoric and Handbook (1995)
In fact, the catalogue boasts that there is no such thing as a singular definition.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
On this, there has been a singular lack of scrutiny and accountability.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
A similar misunderstanding would occur if the writer opted for her as the singular possessive pronoun.
Bachmann, Susan (editor) & Barth, Melinda Between Worlds: A Reader, Rhetoric and Handbook (1995)
I still find it hard to focus on any singular thing.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
This first volume in a planned trilogy is an international bestseller, combining singular characters and an eerily atmospheric setting.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Now there was something singular.
George Eliot Middlemarch (1872)
There's something singular in things.
George Eliot Middlemarch (1872)
But part of the problem may lie in grammar, because there is no third person singular pronoun that does not refer to gender.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
But having attended the press screening yesterday I can say that something absolutely singular has happened.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The chief executive's use of first-person singular pronouns.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Yes, they have injuries but showed a singular lack of intent while Wolves were equally cautious as they strung five across midfield.
The Sun (2010)
In other languages
singular
British English: singular /ˈsɪŋɡjʊlə/ NOUN
The singular of a noun is the form of it that is used to refer to one person or thing.
The singular of Inuit is Inuk.
American English: singular
Arabic: مُفْرَد
Brazilian Portuguese: singular
Chinese: 单数
Croatian: jednina
Czech: jednotné číslo
Danish: ental
Dutch: enkelvoudsvorm
European Spanish: singular
Finnish: yksikkö kieliopillinen
French: singulier
German: Singular
Greek: ενικός
Italian: singolare
Japanese: 単数
Korean: 단수 하나
Norwegian: entall
Polish: liczba pojedyncza
European Portuguese: singular
Romanian: singular
Russian: единственное число
Latin American Spanish: singular
Swedish: singular
Thai: เอกพจน์
Turkish: tekil
Ukrainian: однина
Vietnamese: dạng số ít
British English: singular ADJECTIVE
The singular form of a word is the form that is used when referring to one person or thing.
...the fifteen case endings of the singular form of the noun.
American English: singular
Brazilian Portuguese: singular
Chinese: > 单数的名词
European Spanish: singular
French: singulier
German: Singular-
Italian: singolare
Japanese: 単数形の
Korean: 단수의
European Portuguese: singular
Latin American Spanish: singular
Chinese translation of 'singular'
singular
(ˈsɪŋɡjuləʳ)
adj
(Ling) 单(單)数(數)的 (dānshù de)
(= remarkable) 非凡的 (fēifán de)
(o.f., = strange) 奇怪的 (qíguài de)
n
the singular单(單)数(數)形式 (dānshù xíngshì)
in the singular用单(單)数(數) (yòng dānshù)
1 (adjective)
Definition
(of a word or form) denoting only one person or thing
The pronoun `you' can be singular or plural.
Synonyms
single
A single shot rang out.
individual
It was all part of her very individual personality.
2 (adjective)
Definition
remarkable
a smile of singular sweetness
Synonyms
remarkable
He was a remarkable man.
unique
extraordinary
He is an extraordinary musician.
outstanding
an outstanding tennis player
exceptional
The courts hold that this case is exceptional.
rare
I think big families are extremely rare nowadays.
notable
The most notable architectural feature of the town is its castle.
eminent
an eminent public figure
uncommon
Both are blessed with an uncommon ability to fix things.
conspicuous
prodigious
He impressed everyone with his prodigious memory.
unparalleled
His book was an unparalleled success.
noteworthy
None of these buildings are noteworthy for their architecture.
Opposites
common
,
normal
,
ordinary
,
usual
,
conventional
,
routine
,
everyday
,
commonplace
,
unremarkable
,
run-of-the-mill
,
unexceptional
,
common or garden
3 (adjective)
Definition
unusual
He was without doubt a singular character.
Synonyms
unusual
He was an unusual man with great business talents.
odd
Something odd began to happen.
strange
There was something strange about the flickering blue light.
extraordinary
puzzling
curious
A lot of curious things have happened here in the past few weeks.
peculiar
She has a very peculiar sense of humour.
eccentric
an eccentric character who wears a beret and sunglasses
out-of-the-way
queer (archaic)
If you ask me, there's something queer going on.
oddball (informal)
atypical
The economy of the province was atypical because it was so small.
wacko (slang, old-fashioned)
outré
outré outfits designed by art students
out there (slang)
daggy (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
his slightly daggy hobby of collecting novelty tea towels
Opposites
common
,
normal
,
usual
,
conventional
,
routine
,
everyday
,
commonplace
,
unremarkable
,
run-of-the-mill
,
unexceptional
,
common or garden
Additional synonyms
in the sense of atypical
Definition
not typical
The economy of the province was atypical because it was so small.
Synonyms
unusual,
exceptional,
uncommon,
singular,
deviant (old-fashioned),
unconventional,
unique,
unorthodox,
uncharacteristic,
out of the ordinary,
unrepresentative,
out of keeping,
uncustomary,
nonconforming,
unconforming
in the sense of conspicuous
Definition
noteworthy or striking
Synonyms
noteworthy,
striking,
famous,
celebrated,
signal,
outstanding,
remarkable,
distinguished,
prominent,
notable,
eminent,
illustrious,
salient
in the sense of curious
Definition
unusual or peculiar
A lot of curious things have happened here in the past few weeks.
Synonyms
strange,
unusual,
bizarre,
odd,
novel,
wonderful,
rare,
unique,
extraordinary,
puzzling,
unexpected,
exotic,
mysterious,
marvellous,
peculiar,
queer (informal),
rum (British, slang),
singular,
unconventional,
quaint,
unorthodox
Synonyms of 'singular'
singular
Explore 'singular' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of daggy
Definition
eccentric
his slightly daggy hobby of collecting novelty tea towels
Synonyms
eccentric,
odd,
strange,
bizarre,
weird,
peculiar,
abnormal,
queer (informal),
irregular,
uncommon,
quirky,
out there (slang),
singular,
unconventional,
idiosyncratic,
off-the-wall (slang),
outlandish,
whimsical,
rum (British, slang),
capricious,
anomalous,
freakish,
aberrant,
wacko (slang, old-fashioned),
outré
in the sense of eccentric
Definition
unconventional or odd
an eccentric character who wears a beret and sunglasses
Synonyms
odd,
strange,
bizarre,
weird,
peculiar,
abnormal,
queer (informal),
irregular,
uncommon,
quirky,
out there (slang),
singular,
unconventional,
idiosyncratic,
off-the-wall (slang),
outlandish,
whimsical,
rum (British, slang),
capricious,
anomalous,
freakish,
aberrant,
wacko (slang, old-fashioned),
outré,
daggy (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of eminent
Definition
well-known and well-respected
an eminent public figure
Synonyms
prominent,
high,
great,
important,
noted,
respected,
grand,
famous,
celebrated,
outstanding,
distinguished,
well-known,
superior,
esteemed,
notable,
renowned,
prestigious,
elevated,
paramount,
big-time (informal),
foremost,
high-ranking,
conspicuous,
illustrious,
major league (informal),
exalted,
noteworthy,
pre-eminent
in the sense of exceptional
Definition
forming an exception
The courts hold that this case is exceptional.
Synonyms
unusual,
special,
odd,
strange,
rare,
extraordinary,
unprecedented,
peculiar,
abnormal,
irregular,
uncommon,
inconsistent,
singular,
deviant (old-fashioned),
anomalous,
atypical,
aberrant
in the sense of extraordinary
Definition
having some special or extreme quality
He is an extraordinary musician.
Synonyms
remarkable,
special,
wonderful,
outstanding,
rare,
amazing,
fantastic (informal),
astonishing,
marvellous,
eye-popping (informal),
exceptional,
notable,
serious (informal),
phenomenal,
singular,
wondrous (archaic, literary),
out of this world (informal),
extremely good
in the sense of individual
Definition
characterized by unusual and striking qualities
It was all part of her very individual personality.
Synonyms
unique,
different,
special,
original,
fresh,
novel,
exclusive,
distinct,
singular,
idiosyncratic,
unorthodox
in the sense of notable
Definition
worthy of being noted
The most notable architectural feature of the town is its castle.
Synonyms
remarkable,
marked,
striking,
unusual,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
evident,
pronounced,
memorable,
noticeable,
uncommon,
conspicuous,
salient,
noteworthy
in the sense of noteworthy
Definition
worth noting
None of these buildings are noteworthy for their architecture.
Synonyms
remarkable,
interesting,
important,
significant,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
exceptional,
notable
in the sense of odd
Definition
unusual or peculiar
Something odd began to happen.
Synonyms
unusual,
different,
strange,
rare,
funny (slang),
extraordinary,
remarkable,
bizarre,
fantastic,
curious,
weird,
exceptional,
peculiar,
abnormal,
queer,
irregular,
uncommon,
singular,
uncanny,
outlandish,
out of the ordinary,
freakish,
atypical,
freaky (slang)
in the sense of outré
Definition
eccentric and rather shocking
outré outfits designed by art students
Synonyms
eccentric,
odd,
strange,
out there (slang),
bizarre,
fantastic,
weird,
way-out (informal),
peculiar,
queer (informal),
extravagant,
rum (British, slang),
quirky,
singular,
grotesque,
unconventional,
idiosyncratic,
kinky (informal),
off-the-wall (slang),
outlandish,
whimsical,
left-field (informal),
freakish,
freaky (slang),
wacko (slang),
daggy (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of outstanding
Definition
very good
an outstanding tennis player
Synonyms
excellent,
good,
great (informal),
important,
special,
fine,
noted,
champion,
celebrated,
brilliant,
impressive,
superb,
distinguished,
well-known,
prominent,
superior,
first-class,
exceptional,
notable,
world-class,
exquisite,
admirable,
eminent,
exemplary,
first-rate,
stellar (informal),
superlative,
top-notch (informal),
mean (slang),
sick (slang),
pre-eminent,
meritorious,
estimable,
tiptop,
A1 or A-one (informal),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of peculiar
Definition
strange or odd
She has a very peculiar sense of humour.
Synonyms
odd,
strange,
unusual,
bizarre,
funny,
out-there (slang),
extraordinary,
curious,
weird,
exceptional,
eccentric,
abnormal,
out-of-the-way,
queer (archaic),
uncommon,
singular,
unconventional,
far-out (slang),
quaint,
off-the-wall (slang),
outlandish,
offbeat,
freakish,
wacky (informal),
wacko (slang, old-fashioned),
outré,
daggy (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of prodigious
Definition
wonderful or amazing
He impressed everyone with his prodigious memory.
Synonyms
wonderful,
striking,
amazing,
unusual,
dramatic,
impressive,
extraordinary,
remarkable,
fantastic (informal),
fabulous,
staggering,
marvellous,
startling,
exceptional,
abnormal,
phenomenal,
astounding,
miraculous,
stupendous,
flabbergasting (informal)
in the sense of queer
Definition
dubious
If you ask me, there's something queer going on.
Synonyms
strange,
odd,
funny,
unusual,
extraordinary,
remarkable,
curious,
weird,
peculiar,
abnormal,
rum (British, slang),
uncommon,
erratic,
singular,
eerie,
unnatural,
unconventional,
uncanny,
disquieting,
unorthodox,
outlandish,
left-field (informal),
anomalous,
droll,
atypical,
outré
in the sense of rare
Definition
not happening or done very often
I think big families are extremely rare nowadays.
Synonyms
uncommon,
unusual,
exceptional,
out of the ordinary,
few,
strange,
scarce,
singular,
sporadic,
sparse,
infrequent,
thin on the ground,
recherché
in the sense of strange
Definition
odd or unexpected
There was something strange about the flickering blue light.
Synonyms
odd,
unusual,
curious,
weird,
wonderful,
rare,
funny,
extraordinary,
remarkable,
bizarre,
fantastic,
astonishing,
marvellous,
exceptional,
peculiar,
eccentric,
abnormal,
out-of-the-way,
queer (archaic),
irregular,
rum (British, archaic),
uncommon,
singular,
perplexing,
uncanny,
mystifying,
unheard-of,
off-the-wall (slang),
oddball (informal),
unaccountable,
left-field (informal),
outré,
curiouser and curiouser,
out there (slang),
daggy (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of uncommon
Definition
in excess of what is normal
Both are blessed with an uncommon ability to fix things.