individualism

- 2 dictionary results

in⋅di⋅vid⋅u⋅al⋅ism

[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-liz-uh

–noun

1.	a social theory advocating the liberty, rights, or independent action of the individual.

2.	the principle or habit of or belief in independent thought or action.

3.	the pursuit of individual rather than common or collective interests; egoism.

4.	individual character; individuality.

5.	an individual peculiarity.

Philosophy.

a.	the doctrine that only individual things are real.

b.	the doctrine or belief that all actions are determined by, or at least take place for, the benefit of the individual, not of society as a whole.

Origin:
1825–35; individual + -ism

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source

in·di·vid·u·al·ism (ĭn'də-vĭj'ōō-ə-lĭz'əm)

1. Belief in the primary importance of the individual and in the virtues of self-reliance and personal independence.
2. Acts or an act based on this belief.
3. A doctrine advocating freedom from government regulation in the pursuit of a person's economic goals.
4. A doctrine holding that the interests of the individual should take precedence over the interests of the state or social group.
5. The quality of being an individual; individuality.
6. An individual characteristic; a quirk.
1. A doctrine advocating freedom from government regulation in the pursuit of a person's economic goals.
2. A doctrine holding that the interests of the individual should take precedence over the interests of the state or social group.
3. The quality of being an individual; individuality.
4. An individual characteristic; a quirk.
1. The quality of being an individual; individuality.
2. An individual characteristic; a quirk.

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