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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Unique: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：one of a kind (unique)

unique 🔊

/juːˈniːk/

adj.

There is only one in the whole world, like a fingerprint.

one of a kind 🔊

➕

/wʌn əv ə kaɪnd/

adj.

Describes something that is the only one of its type in existence, so there is nothing exactly identical to it.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'unicus' (one, single), from 'unus' (one) + '-icus' (adjective-forming suffix).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'You' (U) and 'me' (me) are each 'unique' (/juːˈniːk/)—one of a kind.

📖 Example

Just like a fingerprint, everyone's DNA is unique. 🔊 Just like a fingerprint, everyone's DNA is one of a kind.

🔗 Collocations

unique DNA fingerprint – A one-of-a-kind genetic identifier specific to an individual.

completely unique – Absolutely and entirely one of a kind.

unique snowflake – A metaphor for something (often a person) that is irreplicable and special.

🔄 Synonyms

singular (adj.) – Being the only one of its kind; unique.

unparalleled (adj.) – Having no equal or match; unique.

unmatched (adj.) – Better than all others; cannot be equaled.

🚫 Antonyms

common (adj.) – Occurring, found, or done often; not rare or unique.

ordinary (adj.) – With no special or distinctive features; normal.

🌱 Derivatives

uniquely (adv.) – In a way that is unlike anything else; specially.

uniqueness (n.) – The quality of being the only one of its kind.

📖 Cultural Story

Entered English in the early 17th century from French 'unique', itself from Latin 'unicus'. Originally meant 'single, sole'. Its modern sense of 'unparalleled, the only one of its kind' solidified in the 19th century.

Meaning 2：distinctive (unique)

unique 🔊

/juːˈniːk/

adj.

Very special and different from others in a noticeable way.

distinctive 🔊

➕

/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/

adj.

Describes something that is notably unusual, special, or different from others in a positive and remarkable way.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Her art has a unique style that blends classical techniques with modern colors. 🔊 Her art has a distinctive style that blends classical techniques with modern colors.

🔗 Collocations

unique style – A personal and distinctive manner of expression, especially in art or fashion.

unique perspective – A special and individual way of viewing or understanding something.

unique opportunity – A special chance that is not commonly available.

🔄 Synonyms

distinctive (adj.) – Characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others.

special (adj.) – Better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual.

idiosyncratic (adj.) – Relating to idiosyncrasy; peculiar or individual.

🚫 Antonyms

generic (adj.) – Characteristic of or relating to a class or group of things; not specific or unique.

typical (adj.) – Having the distinctive qualities of a particular type of person or thing; representative.