unique/y.nik/
adjective · A2 · Frequency 1443
adjective
Meanings
unique
Used to describe something or someone having one-of-a-kind characteristics, emphasizing distinction from others.
only
Used to indicate that there is only one of something, with no others of the same kind existing.
Examples
Ce tableau est unique dans toute la collection.
This painting is unique in the entire collection.
C'est l'unique exemplaire encore disponible.
It is the only copy still available.
Son talent unique a impressionné toute l'équipe.
His unique talent impressed the whole team.
Collocations
- caractéristique uniqueunique characteristic
- style uniqueunique style
- seul et uniquesole and unique
Common mistakes
C’est un homme unique en son genre, donc il est très intelligent.
C’est un homme unique en son genre, donc il est remarquable.
'Unique' denotes singularity or distinctiveness, not inherent intelligence; learners often erroneously conflate uniqueness with positive cognitive traits.
Elle a une seule amie — c’est unique.
Elle a une seule amie — c’est la seule.
'Unique' is not used predicatively to mean 'the only one' (sense_02); correct usage requires 'le/la seul(e)' or 'il n’y en a qu’un(e)'.
Related words
synonymsinguliersingular
antonymmultiplemultiple
antonymordinaireordinary, common
antonymcommunshared; communal; common to several people
adjective
Meanings
unique
Used to describe something or someone having one-of-a-kind characteristics, emphasizing distinction from others.
only
Used to indicate that there is only one of something, with no others of the same kind existing.
Examples
Ces tableaux sont uniques et attirent tous les visiteurs.
These paintings are unique and attract all the visitors.
Les artisans ont créé des objets uniques à partir de matériaux recyclés.
The artisans created unique objects from recycled materials.
Les uniques exemplaires disponibles ont été réservés en quelques heures.
The only available copies were reserved within a few hours.