individualism
UK[ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪzəm]US[ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪzəm]
n
the belief that the rights and freedom of individual people are the most important rights in a society
n
the behavior or attitude of someone who does things in their own way without being influenced by other people
Morpheme Breakdown
in
dividu
al
ism
in
not
dividu
divisible
al
ism
Etymology
the word 'individualism' is built upon the core concept of the 'individual,' which originates from the latin 'individuus,' meaning "indivisible" or "undivided." this term itself combines the negative prefix 'in-' with 'dividuus' (from 'dividere,' to divide), creating a sense of an entity that cannot be split. the suffix '-al' converts this into an adjective, and the final addition of '-ism' transforms it into a noun denoting a social theory or principle. thus, the etymological journey moves from the literal idea of an indivisible unit to the abstract philosophical and political doctrine that emphasizes the moral worth and autonomy of the single person over collective or state control.
Analysis
Structure: in + dividu + al + ism
in- (latin, a prefix meaning "not"); dividu- (latin, from 'dividuus' meaning "divisible"); -al (latin, an adjective-forming suffix); -ism (latin/greek, a noun-forming suffix denoting a practice, system, or doctrine)
Examples
the country's culture has a strong tradition of individualism.
his rugged individualism sometimes made him difficult to work with on team projects.
the novel explores the tension between societal obligations and personal individualism.