individualist
individualist Lexical Profile
individualist Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who is independent and self-reliant in thought or action and does not conform to prevailing trends or conventions.
"As a lifelong individualist, she designed her own curriculum rather than following the traditional academic path."
An advocate of the political or social theory that favors the freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.
"Thenineteenth-century philosopher was a staunch individualist who argued against excessive government intervention."
• adjective
Characterized by, advocating, or relating to independence, self-reliance, or the philosophy of individualism.
"Early frontier communities fostered a strongly individualist ethos that valued personal self-reliance."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-19th century from 'individual' plus the suffix '-ist', influenced by French 'individualiste', which emerged alongside political and philosophical discussions of 'individualisme'.