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单一

dān yī
adjective★Intermediate💡 single
formal

consisting of one part or element; not diverse or varied

这个国家的经济过于依赖单一产业。

This country's economy relies too heavily on a single industry.

我们需要避免单一的思维模式。

We need to avoid a single-minded way of thinking.

💡

Often used in economic, political, or social contexts to describe lack of diversity.

Collocations

单一市场single market单一文化monoculture单一民族single ethnic group单一制国家unitary state

Synonyms

唯一单纯单调

Antonyms

多样复杂多元

💡Pro Tip

Avoid overgeneralization

While '单一' often translates to 'single' or 'mono-', it emphasizes lack of diversity rather than just quantity. For example, '单一文化' (single culture) implies cultural homogeneity, not just one culture existing.

⚡Gold Rule

Context matters

In economic contexts, '单一产业' (single industry) may imply economic vulnerability. In social contexts, '单一思维' (single-minded thinking) suggests rigidity. Always consider the domain.

📖Word Origin

From Classical Chinese '单' (dān, 'single') and '一' (yī, 'one'), combining to mean 'sole' or 'unified'. The compound emphasizes singularity without variation.

📝Usage Notes

Used to describe systems, cultures, economies, or policies that lack diversity. In formal contexts, it often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, implying potential vulnerability or inflexibility.

Word Breakdown

单
single, sole
root
+
一
one
root
汉英词典

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