single
UK[ˈsɪŋɡl]US[ˈsɪŋɡl]
adj
Only one; not one of several
adj
Not married, or not involved in a permanent romantic relationship
adj
Designed for or used by one person
n
A single ticket for a journey
n
A phonograph record with one song on each side
v
To choose one person or thing from a group for special attention
Etymology
The word 'single' entered Middle English from Old French 'sengle' or 'single', which itself descended from Latin 'singulus', meaning 'one, individual, separate'. Latin 'singulus' is likely a diminutive form related to 'semel' (once) and 'simplus' (simple), reinforcing the sense of 'one alone'. This Latin root is traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root sem- (one, together), which also gives us words like 'same' and 'simple'. The core concept of 'oneness' has persisted through its evolution, branching into modern meanings of individuality, exclusivity, and marital status.
Analysis
The word 'single' is a simplex word derived from Latin. It does not contain separable morphemes in its modern English spelling that can be meaningfully analyzed as distinct units (e.g., 'sing' + 'le' would be misleading and etymologically incorrect).
Examples
She reserved a single room at the hotel.
He has been single for the past two years.
The band released a new single from their upcoming album.