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unique

u·nique [ yoo nk ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. only one: being the only one of a kind

2. special: different from others in a way that makes somebody or something special and worthy of note
a unique marketing opportunity

3. limited to somebody or something: limited to a particular person or thing
concerns that are unique to resettled refugees

[Early 17th century. Via French< Latin unicus< unus "one"]

u·nique·ly adverb
u·nique·ness noun

Word Usage

The use of unique in its sense "worthy of note" is common in marketing and advertising (Don't miss this unique offer), as well as in conversation. Many dictionaries and usage guides argue that unique is an absolute concept and, as such, cannot be used with qualifying words such as very and rather, but in many cases this stricture seems a pedantic objection to what is a linguistic rather than a philosophical convention. It is, however, best avoided in formal writing.

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