singular

singular — adjective

1. Relating to a word form that points to just a single person, object, or idea — a

1.adjectiveA2
Definition

Relating to a word form that points to just a single person, object, or idea — as opposed to two or more.

Example

The word 'child' is a singular noun, while 'children' is its plural form.

singular vs plural noun forms

Wei asked the teacher whether 'sheep' has the same form in both singular and plural.

Common collocations
  • singular noun
  • singular form
  • singular verb
  • in the singular
Synonyms
  • single

    more general; 'single' can mean 'unmarried' or 'alone', while 'singular' in this sense is purely grammatical

  • one

    used for counting, not as a grammatical label

Antonyms
  • plural

    the grammatical form for two or more items

Grammar Patterns

singular + noun

Usage Note

Frequently placed before grammar terms like 'noun', 'form', or 'verb'. The phrase 'in the singular' is used as an adverbial — for example, 'Write the word in the singular.'

Common Mistakes

The word cats is a singular noun.
The word cats is a plural noun.
'Singular' refers to one item; 'plural' refers to two or more.
Cat's is the singular of cats.
Cat is the singular of cats.
The possessive form with an apostrophe is different from the simple singular form.

2. Much better or more impressive than what is usual; remarkably good in quality or

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

Much better or more impressive than what is usual; remarkably good in quality or standard.

Example

Valentina gave a singular performance that earned her a standing ovation from the crowd.

singular + performance / contribution / talent

The research team made a singular contribution to cancer treatment that saved many lives.

Common collocations
  • singular achievement
  • singular talent
  • singular beauty
  • singular contribution
Synonyms
  • exceptional

    more common and slightly less formal; broader range of uses

  • outstanding

    emphasises visible excellence, often used for work or service

  • remarkable

    focuses on the fact that something is worth noticing or talking about

  • unique

    stresses being the only one of its kind; stronger and less flexible

Antonyms
  • ordinary

    not special or remarkable in any way

  • mediocre

    of only average or below-average quality

Grammar Patterns

singular + abstract noun

Usage Note

Typically paired with abstract nouns like 'achievement', 'talent', 'contribution', or 'beauty'. Carries a more literary tone than 'great' or 'amazing'; use it when you want to stress that something stands out as unmatched.

Common Mistakes

I ate a singular sandwich for lunch.' (casual context)
I ate a single sandwich for lunch.
'Singular' in the 'exceptional' sense does not mean 'one in number'; use 'single' for quantity.

3. Unusual in a way that feels surprising or difficult to explain; odd or peculiar.

3.adjectiveB2
Definition

Unusual in a way that feels surprising or difficult to explain; odd or peculiar.

Example

Eli picked up a singular seashell unlike any he had seen before.

singular + object / smell / pattern

There was a singular smell coming from the old shed behind Pim's house.

Common collocations
  • singular event
  • singular occurrence
  • singular sight
  • singular manner
Synonyms
  • strange

    more common and less formal; covers a wider range of oddness

  • odd

    slightly informal; suggests something mildly unusual or unexpected

  • peculiar

    similar register to 'singular'; emphasises distinctiveness from the norm

  • curious

    suggests something that arouses interest or puzzlement

Antonyms
  • normal

    conforming to what is expected or usual

  • ordinary

    not remarkable or unusual in any way

Grammar Patterns

singular + noun

Usage Note

Describes something that sparks curiosity or mild unease rather than strong alarm. More literary than 'strange' or 'weird'; common in written narratives and descriptions.

Common Mistakes

He gave me a singular look when I arrived late.' (when 'strange' would be more natural)
He gave me a strange look when I arrived late.
In everyday speech, 'strange' or 'odd' is preferred over 'singular'.

4. Relating to one specific person, thing, or case considered on its own, rather th

4.adjectiveB1
Definition

Relating to one specific person, thing, or case considered on its own, rather than together with others.

Example

Every singular item on the list must be checked before the shipment leaves the warehouse.

each/every singular + noun

The teacher evaluated each singular answer separately before giving a final grade.

Common collocations
  • each singular
  • every singular
  • singular instance
  • singular case
Synonyms
  • single

    more common and less formal; used for simple quantity

  • individual

    emphasises separateness and distinct identity

  • separate

    stresses that something is not joined or combined with others

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

each / every + singular + noun

Usage Note

Often appears after 'each' or 'every' to stress that items are being looked at one by one. In everyday English, 'single' or 'individual' is more natural; 'singular' in this sense has a formal, slightly bureaucratic tone.

Common Mistakes

A singular person walked into the room.' (when meaning 'one person')
A single person walked into the room.
For simple quantity, use 'single' rather than 'singular'.
She gave a singular reason for leaving.' (when meaning 'only one reason')
She gave a single reason for leaving.
Use 'single' for 'one in number'; reserve 'singular' for the more formal 'individual' sense.

singular — noun

Word family

  • singularly
    adverbB2
  • singularity
    nounC1
  • plural
    adjectiveA2
  • plural
    nounA2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/2

All four words describe something that stands out from the ordinary, but they differ in tone and scope. 'Singular' is the most literary and formal — it suggests something so unusual that it is unmatched or one-of-a-kind, as in 'a singular talent'. 'Exceptional' is broader, describing anything notably better than average, and works in both formal and everyday contexts. 'Outstanding' is slightly more informal and often used to praise visible achievements, such as 'outstanding service' or 'outstanding results'. 'Remarkable' emphasises that something is worth noticing or talking about — it carries a sense of mild surprise. 'Unique' means being the only one of its kind, though in casual use it is sometimes stretched to mean 'very unusual'. For example: 'a singular perspective' (unlike any other), 'an exceptional grade' (far above average), 'outstanding leadership' (deserving of praise), or 'a unique approach' (not used by anyone else).

exceptional ↗outstanding ↗remarkable ↗unique ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • singularly

Phrases

  • singular and plural
  • in the singular

Prepositions

  • in the singular
  • from the singular

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'singular' comes from Latin 'singularis', meaning 'alone, unique, or separate', which in turn comes from 'singulus', meaning 'one, single, individual'. It entered English through Old French 'singuler' in the 1300s. The grammatical sense developed alongside the more general meaning of 'remarkable' or 'unusual' — the idea being that something singular (one of a kind) is by extension extraordinary.