ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌvijəˈwaləd.ē, -lətē, -i noun
( -es )
1.
a. : the total character peculiar to and distinguishing an individual from others : the complex of characteristics serving to individualize or set off a person or a thing from others : distinctive character
believed that one was born with a particular biochemical individuality just as one was born with a certain physical and psychological personality — Lancet
only slowly does the child become aware of his individuality
especially : a markedly individual or distinctive quality
though he had no great … originality, there was a delicate individuality in his gracious and homely pictures — Havelock Ellis
b. : an individual or individualizing quality
managed to give the borrowed product a distinctive national individuality — A.L.Kroeber
white wines, which have considerable individuality — New York Times
they were strikingly alike in gifts and tastes, but each had marked individuality of character — H.E.Starr
the individuality or, better, the personality of each instrument of the orchestra — Nicolas Nabokov
c. : personality
quietened her by sheer force of individuality — Arnold Bennett
not only is the author unknown, but in the pure ballad there is no trace of his individuality — Encyc. Americana
2. archaic : indivisibility , inseparability
3.
a. : an individual characteristic
the effort … of getting the individualities of a fresh group of people into one's head, is becoming every year harder for me — A.C.Benson
b. : an individual thing ; especially : an individual person
4. : the quality or state of existing as an individual or of constituting an individual : separate or distinct existence
the great artist can transcend his own individuality — Harold Nicolson
5. : the tendency to pursue one's course with marked independence or self-reliance : individualism
distinguished by a strong streak of individuality and independence, the counterpart probably of the same pioneer spirit which originally marked the commerce and industry of the New World — W.T. & Barbara Fitts
Synonyms: see disposition