individualism
|in-di-vid-u-al-ism|
C1
/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪzəm/
individual freedom
Etymology
Etymology Information
'individualism' originates from the French word 'individualisme', where 'individu' meant 'individual'.
Historical Evolution
'individualisme' transformed into the English word 'individualism' in the early 19th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'the quality of being an individual', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a social theory favoring individual freedom'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.
The country's policies are rooted in individualism.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39