A2adjective1K

Single

UK /["/ˈsɪŋɡl/"]/US /["/ˈsɪŋɡl/"]/

Definition

only one

In simple words: One person or thing.

Examples

  • He prefers to live a single life without any commitments.
  • She bought a single ticket for the concert.
  • The single most important rule is honesty.
  • In her single-state, she enjoys focusing on her career.
  • The competition had a single winner announced last night.
  • Only a single drop of ink can change the meaning of the whole document.
  • He has a single vision for his future.
  • There isn't a single person who disagrees with her opinion.
  • In a single moment, everything changed.

Usage notes

Used to describe someone not in a relationship. In formal contexts, it can refer to a single item. Avoid using in very casual or slang conversations where 'solo' might be more suitable.

Grammar pattern

adjective + noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'single' ice cream scoop — just one!

Collocations

  • single person
  • single item
  • single ticket
  • single life
  • single parent

Synonyms

  • individual
  • lone
  • solitary
  • unaccompanied

Antonyms

  • multiple
  • coupled
  • together

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up with 'singly' which has a different meaning.
  • Using 'single' when referring to multiple items or people.
  • Confusing 'single' with 'alone', which has a different connotation.