What does singularly mean?
Singularly is an adverb meaning especially, particularly, or unusually. It is commonly used to emphasize a quality that is notably striking, important, distinctive, or impressive: “The committee made a singularly useful observation.” The word often appears with qualities such as important, impressive, well suited, and distinctive, giving it a formal and sometimes literary tone. Its emphasis is stronger than that of “particularly,” because it suggests not merely that something is worth singling out but that it stands out noticeably from ordinary experience. Although it can be used with positive qualities, it is not inherently complimentary and can also describe awkwardness, difficulty, or other unusual features. The word is related to “single,” “singular,” and “singularity,” all of which derive from the Latin word for one or a single thing.
adverbIn a singular manner or to a singular degree; especially or particularly. It can also mean unusually or uniquely.
- In a way that is particularly striking, important, unusual, or distinctive.
"The issue was singularly important to the success of the project."
"She was singularly well prepared for the interview."
"The landscape is singularly beautiful at sunrise."
The same Latin root that gave English “single” also produced “singularly,” a word that can make almost any quality sound especially notable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does singularly come from?
The adverb comes from the adjective “singular,” which entered English from Latin singularis, meaning “one, single, individual,” and ultimately from the Latin root singulus, meaning “one apart” or “single.” “Singularly” was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly. The same Latin source underlies cognates in several European languages and also connects with the English word “single.”
Related word forms
How singularly is actually used
The adverb is formal and somewhat literary. It often emphasizes a quality or characteristic as especially noticeable, important, or unusual.
Easily confused with singularly
No distinction applies; the compared form is the same spelling and word.
Singular is an adjective describing one thing or a form of a noun, whereas singularly is an adverb describing a manner or degree.