Single Meaning
Single Definition & Usage
Referring to a singular unit, object, or person.
Examples
- "She was the single person responsible for the success of the project."
- "He made a single phone call and everything changed."
- "We only have a single ticket left for the concert."
- "After the meeting, I felt like I was the only single person who understood the issue."
- "There's just a single cookie left on the plate, should we split it?"
A person who is not in a romantic relationship, or one who lives alone.
Examples
- "After the breakup, he decided to stay single for a while."
- "She's been single for several years, enjoying her independence."
- "Do you think you'll remain single forever?"
- "Being single doesn’t mean you’re alone; it just means you're choosing to focus on other things."
- "He enjoys the freedom that comes with being single, traveling whenever he wants."
To select one item or person from a group of options.
Examples
- "I need to single out the best candidate for this position."
- "She was singled out for her exceptional performance during the competition."
- "We have to single the top performers from this group."
- "In the game, you need to single out the correct answers to proceed."
- "I had to single out the most relevant data from the report."
Referring to something existing alone or without additional components.
Examples
- "The artist painted a single flower, its simplicity captivating."
- "I have a single key that unlocks the entire building."
- "We need a single solution that works for everyone."
- "There was a single bright star in the sky that night."
- "A single glance told me everything I needed to know."
Cultural Context
The word 'single' originates from the Latin word 'singulus,' meaning 'one, alone, or individual.' It has evolved to describe a variety of contexts where singularity or individuality is highlighted, from relationships to objects and even actions. In modern usage, 'single' is frequently associated with romantic status, often indicating someone who is not currently in a relationship, though its meanings are broader.
The Single Decision
Story
The Single Decision
Lily stood at the edge of the crowded room, her eyes scanning the sea of faces. She had always been the 'single' one in her group, the one who preferred solitude to the clatter of socializing. But tonight, something felt different. She had been invited to a networking event, and for the first time, she didn't feel awkward being alone in the crowd. As she walked up to the refreshment table, a man stepped forward and smiled, offering her a glass of water. He introduced himself as Mark, and within minutes, they were talking like old friends. The conversation flowed effortlessly, as if they had always known each other. At one point, Mark paused and asked, "Are you really single, or just pretending?" Lily laughed. "I’m single, but it’s not something I hide. I just haven’t met anyone who makes me want to change that." Mark smiled knowingly. "Single is good, I think. It gives you time to focus on what matters." He was right. For years, Lily had associated being single with loneliness. But now, she was beginning to see the freedom it offered. The freedom to choose who to spend her time with, to focus on her own passions, and to feel content with herself. Just as they were about to continue their conversation, the host of the event approached and announced the start of the main discussion. Everyone in the room was instructed to pair up and share their thoughts on a particular topic. Lily glanced around, looking for someone to partner with. Mark smiled and waved, signaling that he was free. She walked over, feeling more confident than ever. For the rest of the evening, Lily felt like she had finally made peace with the idea of being single. It wasn’t a label or a status, but a choice. And in that moment, it felt like the best choice she could have made.
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