individualism

in·di·vid·u·al·ism

noun
\ˌin-də-ˈvij-wə-ˌli-zəm, -ˈvi-jə-wə-, -ˈvi-jə-ˌli-\

Definition of INDIVIDUALISM

1

a (1) : a doctrine that the interests of the individual are or ought to be ethically paramount; also : conduct guided by such a doctrine (2) : the conception that all values, rights, and duties originate in individuals b : a theory maintaining the political and economic independence of the individual and stressing individual initiative, action, and interests; also : conduct or practice guided by such a theory

2

a : individuality b : an individual peculiarity : idiosyncrasy

Examples of INDIVIDUALISM

1. a society that believes strongly in individualism
2. He was respected for his self-reliance and individualism.

First Known Use of INDIVIDUALISM

1827

Related to INDIVIDUALISM

Synonyms: crotchet, curiosity, eccentricity, erraticism, idiosyncrasy, kink, mannerism, oddity, peculiarity, quiddity, quip, quirk, singularity, tic, trick, twist

Related Words: affectation, airs; attribute, characteristic, mark, property, trait; custom, habit, pattern, practice (also practise), way, wont; addiction; abnormality, neuroticism, perversion, weirdness; disposition, genius, leaning, partiality; bent, inclination, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn; attitude, character, humor, identity, individuality, nature, personality, temperament

Near Antonyms: conformity, sameness

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Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism