Individualism
[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-liz-uh m] /ˌɪn dəˈvɪdʒ u əˌlɪz əm/
noun
1.
a social theory advocating the liberty, rights, or independent action of the individual.
2.
the principle or habit of or belief in independent thought or action.
3.
the pursuit of individual rather than common or collective interests; egoism.
4.
individual character; individuality.
5.
an individual peculiarity.
6.
Philosophy.
/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəˌlɪzəm/
noun
1.
the action or principle of asserting one’s independence and individuality; egoism
2.
an individual quirk or peculiarity
3.
another word for laissez faire (sense 1)
4.
(philosophy) the doctrine that only individual things exist and that therefore classes or properties have no reality Compare Platonism, realism (sense 5)
n.
“self-centered feeling,” 1827, from individual + -ism. As a social philosophy (opposed to communism and socialism) first attested 1851 in writings of J.S. Mill.
A majority can never replace the individual. … Just as a hundred fools do not make one wise man, a heroic decision is not likely to come from a hundred cowards. [Adolf Hitler, “Mein Kampf,” 1933]
A view that stresses the importance and worth of each person. In economics, it is the doctrine that individuals best serve the public interest by pursuing their own self-interest. For example, the businessman who expands his company to increase his profits also creates jobs for many people and thereby serves the public interest. (See laissez-faire.)
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[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-list] /ˌɪn dəˈvɪdʒ u ə lɪst/ noun 1. a person who shows great independence or in thought or action. 2. an advocate of . /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlɪst/ noun 1. a person who shows independence and individuality in his behaviour, opinions, or actions 2. an advocate of individualism n. 1840, from individual + -ist. Related: Individualistic.
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[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-list] /ˌɪn dəˈvɪdʒ u ə lɪst/ noun 1. a person who shows great independence or in thought or action. 2. an advocate of . /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlɪst/ noun 1. a person who shows independence and individuality in his behaviour, opinions, or actions 2. an advocate of individualism n. 1840, from individual + -ist. Related: Individualistic.
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[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-list] /ˌɪn dəˈvɪdʒ u ə lɪst/ noun 1. a person who shows great independence or in thought or action. 2. an advocate of . /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlɪst/ noun 1. a person who shows independence and individuality in his behaviour, opinions, or actions 2. an advocate of individualism n. 1840, from individual + -ist. Related: Individualistic.
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[in-duh-vij-oo-al-i-tee] /ˌɪn dəˌvɪdʒ uˈæl ɪ ti/ noun, plural individualities. 1. the particular character, or aggregate of qualities, that distinguishes one person or thing from others; sole and personal nature: a person of marked individuality. 2. individualities, characteristics. 3. a person or thing of or distinctive character. 4. state or quality of being ; existence as […]
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[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-lahyz] /ˌɪn dəˈvɪdʒ u əˌlaɪz/ verb (used with object), individualized, individualizing. 1. to make or distinctive; give an or distinctive character to. 2. to mention, indicate, or consider ; specify; particularize. /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəˌlaɪz/ verb (transitive) 1. to make or mark as individual or distinctive in character 2. to consider or treat individually; particularize 3. to make […]