unicidad
Lemma Details
Translation: uniqueness; unicity; oneness; singularity
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the Spanish adjective 'único' (unique) + the suffix '-idad' (which forms abstract nouns indicating quality or state). 'Único' comes from Latin 'unicus' (only, sole, unique), which is related to 'unus' (one). The English cognate 'uniqueness' follows a similar pattern, with 'unique' + '-ness'. The concept emphasizes the quality of being the only one of its kind, without equal or equivalent.
Commonality: 30%
Guessability: 70%
Register: formal
Example Usage
La unicidad de cada ser humano es lo que nos hace especiales.
The uniqueness of each human being is what makes us special.
El teorema demuestra la unicidad de la solución.
The theorem demonstrates the uniqueness of the solution.
La unicidad de esta obra de arte la hace invaluable.
The uniqueness of this artwork makes it invaluable.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'uni-' (one) + '-cidad' (similar to 'city') – like a city that stands alone with no equal.
- Connect it to 'unique' + 'city' to remember it means 'uniqueness'.
- Remember that 'unicidad' has the same root as 'unicorn' – a mythical creature known for being one-of-a-kind.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This term is commonly used in academic, philosophical, and mathematical contexts. In Spanish-speaking cultures, it appears frequently in discussions about identity, individuality, and in technical or legal documents where the uniqueness of something needs to be emphasized.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'unicidad' refers to the quality of being unique or one-of-a-kind, 'unidad' means 'unity' or 'unit' and refers to the state of being one or united.
Confused word:
Debemos trabajar en unidad para lograr nuestros objetivos.
We must work in unity to achieve our goals.
Notes: Both terms derive from Latin 'unus' (one) but have evolved to express different concepts related to oneness.
Mnemonic: 'Unicidad' ends with '-cidad' (like 'city') – think of a one-of-a-kind city; 'unidad' ends with '-dad' – think of 'dad' uniting the family.
Explanation: 'Unicidad' is an abstract noun referring to uniqueness, while 'unicornio' is a concrete noun referring to the mythical horse-like creature with a single horn.
Confused word:
El unicornio es un símbolo de pureza en muchas culturas.
The unicorn is a symbol of purity in many cultures.
Notes: Both words share the Latin root 'unus' (one) but have completely different meanings and uses.
Mnemonic: Both words start with 'uni-' (one), but 'unicidad' is about a quality, while 'unicornio' is about a creature with one horn.