individuality

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[edit] English

individuality (countable and uncountable; plural individualities)

(uncountable) The characteristics which contribute to the differentiation or distinction of someone or something from a group of otherwise comparable identity.
- 1856, William Pare, Equitable Villages in America:
  
  It is affirmed, that individuality pervades universal nature; that it is positively the most fundamental and universal principle which the finite mind seems capable of discovering, and the best image of the infinite. There are no two objects in the universe which are precisely alike.
(countable) A person.
- 1856, John Lothrop Motley, The Rise of the Dutch Republic:
  
  As persons, therefore—gigantic individualities—they wheeled into the feudal ranks and assumed feudal powers and responsibilities.

individuality in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
individuality in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911