individualism
/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪzəm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪzəm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wə-ˌli-zəm -ˈvij-wə-, -ˈvi-jə-ˌli-/ (ame, mw)
individualism — noun
1. A belief system or political philosophy that holds the freedom, rights, and pers
A belief system or political philosophy that holds the freedom, rights, and personal choices of each individual person should be valued more highly than the goals or decisions of a group or government. In practice, this often means supporting limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility for one's own life.
Pablo argued that rugged individualism drove the economic growth of the American West.
collocation: rugged individualism
Mei-Lin's political theory class explored how individualism shaped the legal systems of modern democracies.
The senator's new book celebrates individualism as the foundation of personal freedom and economic success.
Fumi worried that unchecked individualism would weaken the public services that poor families depend on.
In many villages, older residents see Western individualism as a threat to their traditional way of life.
- self-reliance
focuses on practical personal capability rather than a political doctrine
- libertarianism
a narrower, more specific political movement that builds on individualism
- independence
broader term that can refer to nations or personal autonomy, less ideological
- collectivism
the opposite belief that the group's needs should come before individual desires
- socialism
a system based on collective or government ownership rather than individual freedom
用法筆記
Frequently appears in political and economic discussions in contrast with collectivism or socialism. Subject of the sentence is often an institution, writer, or movement rather than a person.
常見錯誤
2. The quality of being different from other people in your character, appearance,
The quality of being different from other people in your character, appearance, or way of doing things — especially when that difference is a positive expression of your own personality rather than a desire to follow the crowd.
Keiko's bold sense of fashion shows a strong individualism that many of her classmates admire.
possessive + strong individualism
The school encourages students to express their individualism through art, music, and creative writing.
express + possessive + individualism
Chitra painted her room bright yellow and purple — a small act of individualism that made her feel free.
The band's individualism comes through in their unusual mix of jazz and traditional folk music.
Hana refused to wear the school uniform, saying her individualism was more important than the dress code.
- originality
emphasises creative newness rather than simple difference
- uniqueness
a stronger claim that no one else is quite like this
- individuality
the closest synonym, slightly more neutral and less ideological
- conformity
the act of behaving like everyone else to fit in
- sameness
a lack of variety or distinction between people