unity

noun uni·ty \ ˈyü-nə-tē \

|Updated on: 6 Jul 2018

Examples: unity in a Sentence

Definition of unity

plural unities

1 a : the quality or state of not being multiple : oneness

b (1) : a definite amount taken as one or for which 1 is made to stand in calculation

in a table of natural sines the radius of the circle is regarded as unity

(2) : identity element

2 a : a condition of harmony : accord

b : continuity without deviation or change (as in purpose or action)

3 a : the quality or state of being made one : unification

b : a combination or ordering of parts in a literary or artistic production that constitutes a whole or promotes an undivided total effect; also : the resulting singleness of effect or symmetry and consistency of style and character

4 : a totality of related parts : an entity that is a complex or systematic whole

5 : any of three principles of dramatic structure derived by French classicists from Aristotle's Poetics and requiring a play to have a single action represented as occurring in one place and within one day

6 capitalized : a 20th century American religious movement that emphasizes spiritual sources of health and prosperity

See unity defined for English-language learners

See unity defined for kids

Examples of unity in a Sentence

a sense of national unity
there's an aesthetic unity to the sculpture garden that makes it an ideal spot for quiet relaxing

Recent Examples of unity from the Web

This year, a holiday that is designed as a moment of national unity also underscores the country's deep divisions and the broad dissatisfaction with its government.

— susan page and merdie nganza, USA TODAY, "Poll: On the 4th, what symbolizes the best (and worst) of America? It depends whom you ask," 2 July 2018
So in a striking show of unity, the two universities came together for a community breakfast designed to send a message to Obama.

— dahleen glanton, chicagotribune.com, "Obama Presidential Center is not only for the South Side," 2 July 2018
From powerful speeches delivered by children fearing their immigrant parents will be taken away from them to inspiring shows of unity, here are some of the most powerful moments from the demonstrations.

— lisa ryan, The Cut, "The Most Powerful Scenes From the Families Belong Together Protests," 30 June 2018
Janne Andersson’s squad exhibits a sense of unity that so many other sides lack, both on and off the pitch: just look at how the team rallied together after winger Jimmy Durmaz was targeted by racial abuse.

— si.com staff, SI.com, "Weekend Read: A Case for All 16 Teams to Win the World Cup, Reflecting on Tyler Hilinski and More," 29 June 2018
If Mr Trudeau picks a fight with farmers to save the economy, however, this moment of unity will soon pass.

— The Economist, "Donald Trump stomps on Canada’s economy," 14 June 2018
Mattis has faithfully carried the president’s message on spending, pushing his foreign counterparts to invest more in defense, while also promoting the importance of unity.

— jonathan tamari, Philly.com, "Defense Secretary Jim Mattis strives to be a reassuring voice to allies in a chaotic time," 10 June 2018
The message of unity was evident throughout Sunday.

— michael divittorio, The Seattle Times, "Oakmont’s first black church reopens after fire," 10 June 2018
The improbable success of the first-year Vegas Golden Knights was emotional, inspirational, an example of the power of unity.

— helene elliott, latimes.com, "Washington Capitals defeat Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup Final," 8 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of unity

Middle English unite, from Anglo-French unité, from Latin unitat-, unitas, from unus one — more at one

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

unity Synonyms

UNITY Defined for English Language Learners

unity

noun

Definition of unity for English Language Learners

: the state of being in full agreement
: a way of combining the parts in a work of art or literature so that they seem to belong together

UNITY Defined for Kids

unity

noun uni·ty \ ˈyü-nə-tē \

Definition of unity for Students

plural unities

1 : the quality or state of being one

2 : the state of those who are in full agreement : harmony

Why can't we live in unity?

Law Dictionary

unity

noun uni·ty \ ˈyü-nə-tē \

legal Definition of unity

plural unities

1 : the quality or state of not being multiple : the quality or state of being one, single, whole, or the same

only if there is unity of ownership of the immovable and movables

2 : an aspect (as time, title, interest, or possession) of a joint tenancy that must be identical as it relates to the cotenants

such a conveyance severs the joint tenancy by removing the unities of time and title

Note: At common law, all four unities were required to be present for a joint tenancy. Conveying the interests of the cotenants at the same time creates the unity of time. Conveying the interests of the cotenants in the same instrument creates the unity of title. Conveying the same interest (as fee simple absolute) to the cotenants creates the unity of interest. Conveying a common right of possession or enjoyment creates the unity of possession.