What is unique? Pronunciation and usage in English

unique means . Learn how to pronounce and use unique through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of unique

uniqueadjective

/juːˈniːk/
Definition & pronunciation of unique

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "unique." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /juːˈniːk/ (yoo-NICK)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. yoo: This is like the sound you make when you say "you." It's a short, open "u" sound.
  2. NICK: This part rhymes with "sick" or "pick." The "i" is pronounced like the "i" in "bit."

Important Notes:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("NICK"). This is what makes it stand out.
  • Don't say "you-neek": Many people incorrectly pronounce it with a long "o" sound. This is a very common mistake.
  • The "que" sound: Don't try to pronounce it like "quicks." It’s not a "qu" sound at all.

Resources to help you hear it:

To help me tailor my explanation further, would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences with "unique" in them?

Usage and examples with the word unique in English

Let's break down how to use the word "unique" effectively in English. It's a frequently misused word, so understanding its nuances is important.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Unique means one of a kind; it's unlike anything else. It describes something that has no equal or parallel. It’s utterly distinctive.

2. How to Use It Correctly:

  • Describing Objects/Things:

    • "This painting is truly unique – no one else has ever created anything like it."
    • "She has a unique style of dress that stands out from everyone else."
    • "They found a unique fossil in the excavation."

  • Describing People:

    • "He possesses a unique combination of talents and skills." (Meaning he's not just good at one thing, but a combination of several.)
    • "She has a unique perspective on the world." (Meaning she sees things differently.)
    • "Her unique sense of humor always makes people laugh."

  • Describing Experiences:

    • "My trip to Iceland was a unique experience – I’ve never seen anything like it."
    • "It was a unique opportunity to meet the author."

3. Important Considerations & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t Overuse It: "Unique" is a strong word. Using it too often weakens its impact. It’s best reserved for truly exceptional things. If something is merely different, "distinct," "different," or "special" are often better choices.

  • “Unique” Doesn't Mean "Special": While something unique is often special, "unique" focuses on the absence of a duplicate. “Special” implies valuable or desirable.

  • Beware of Redundancy: Saying "a unique experience" is often redundant. Experience is already a singular thing. It’s better to say “a remarkable experience” or “a memorable experience.”

  • False Uniqueness: The biggest mistake is using "unique" when something is simply rare. Many things are rare, but that doesn't automatically make them unique. For example, "a rare orchid" is rare, but it's not unique—many other rare orchids exist.

4. Synonyms (To Avoid Overuse of "Unique"):

Here are some words you can use instead of "unique," depending on the specific meaning you want to convey:

  • Distinct: Clearly different.
  • Individual: One of a kind; not like the others.
  • Original: Not copied; new and inventive.
  • Rare: Not common.
  • Exceptional: Outstanding; remarkable.
  • Special: Having a particular value or importance.
  • Unusual: Not commonly experienced or found.
  • One-of-a-kind: A more descriptive phrase.

5. Examples to Illustrate the Difference:

  • Incorrect: "That scar is a unique part of his face." (It’s just a scar – many people have scars.)
  • Better: “That scar is a striking part of his face.”
  • Incorrect: “She has a unique personality.” (Personality is complex. It's unlikely someone's personality is truly one of a kind.)
  • Better: “She has a distinctive personality.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you doing (e.g., creative writing, academic writing, business writing)?
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’ve used the word "unique" that you'd like feedback on?

Synonyms for the word unique

Practice with vocabulary unique

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's approach to customer service is truly ________, setting it apart from all competitors in the market.
  2. Please provide the ________ requirements for the project in writing by Friday afternoon.
  3. Each artist develops a ________ style over years of practice, making their work instantly recognizable.
  4. She has a very ________ laugh that always makes me smile, even in a crowded room.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes something that is the only one of its kind? a) commonplace b) unique c) ordinary d) typical

  2. Our team needs to develop a marketing strategy that is truly ________ to capture market attention. a) exceptional b) run-of-the-mill c) groundbreaking d) unique e) unprecedented

  3. Which of the following words can describe a characteristic that sets a person or item completely apart from others? a) ordinary b) singular c) distinct d) general e) unique

  4. To achieve an A in the course, you must submit a paper that demonstrates an ________ understanding of the subject matter. a) exceptional b) mediocre c) outstanding d) average

  5. The antique vase had a ________ mark on its base, indicating its origin. a) plain b) common c) characteristic d) identifiable e) specific

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: This software offers features that no other product on the market currently provides. Rewrite: (using "unique")

  2. Original: Her ability to motivate a diverse team and foster creativity is something you don't often see. Rewrite: (using "unique")

  3. Original: The architect designed a very particular staircase that served as the focal point of the building. Rewrite: (not using "unique")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's approach to customer service is truly unique, setting it apart from all competitors in the market.
  2. Please provide the specific requirements for the project in writing by Friday afternoon.
  3. Each artist develops a unique style over years of practice, making their work instantly recognizable.
  4. She has a very distinctive laugh that always makes me smile, even in a crowded room.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) unique
  2. a) exceptional, c) groundbreaking, d) unique, e) unprecedented
  3. b) singular, c) distinct, e) unique
  4. a) exceptional, c) outstanding
  5. c) characteristic, d) identifiable, e) specific

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite: This software offers a unique set of features unmatched by any other product on the market.
  2. Rewrite: Her unique ability to motivate a diverse team and foster creativity is truly remarkable.
  3. Rewrite: The architect designed a very distinctive staircase that served as the focal point of the building.

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