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individualism
/ˌɪn.dɪˈvɪdʒ.u.ə.lɪz.əm/
prioritizing personal freedom
The rise of individualism in modern society has led to both greater personal freedom and increased social isolation.
This sentence shows how valuing personal independence (individualism) affects society.
formal
A social and political philosophy that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual over the collective group.
In Western cultures, individualism is often contrasted with collectivism, where group goals take precedence.
This example highlights how individualism values personal goals over group objectives.
Individualism is a key concept in liberal political theory, often associated with rights to personal autonomy and self-determination.
informal
The habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant.
She embraced individualism by traveling alone and making decisions without consulting others.
Here, individualism refers to her preference for independence in actions and choices.
In everyday use, this sense focuses on personal behavior rather than philosophical systems.
Collocations
rugged individualismextreme self-relianceeconomic individualismprioritizing personal financial freedom
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoiding Misuse
Don't equate individualism with selfishness. Individualism values personal freedom and rights, while selfishness implies disregard for others. Context matters: 'He values individualism' vs. 'He’s selfish.'
Gold Rule
Cultural Context
In discussions about individualism vs. collectivism, specify whether you're referring to political philosophy, societal trends, or personal behavior to avoid ambiguity.
Word Origin
From French *individualisme* (19th century), derived from *individu* ('individual') + *-isme* ('doctrine'). The term emerged during the Enlightenment to describe philosophical emphasis on personal liberty.
Usage Notes
Individualism is often debated in political and cultural contexts. In sociology, it may describe societal trends toward atomization, while in psychology, it can relate to personality traits valuing uniqueness. Avoid confusing it with 'egoism,' which implies selfishness rather than principled self-interest.
Word Breakdown
individual
a single human being
root-ism
a doctrine or belief system
suffixEnglish Dictionary