I've seen this question asked before, and yes, I believe that saying "this tree is more unique than another" is faulty grammer. I can't help but think, though, that nothing is absolute, unique cannot be absolute. True, everything is unique is some aspect, but take this example: Two girls who both have excellent singing voices are performing the same solo. One sings it exactly as it is written, and the other adds embellishments that she feels enhances the piece. I, as a musician, feel that these additions could be classified as making the piece 'more unique' than just singing the song as it was written. I keep finding arguments for both sides of this issue, but I cannot come to any conclusion of my own (My mom and brother even had an hour long debate about this without any sort of solution). What do you think?
2006-07-24 17:11:48 · 3 answers · asked by Alana C 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The the original sense of the word is "one-of-a-kind" it is silly not to acknowledge that this word has taken on other senses, esp in informal use (and in this it is NOT unique!)
Thus, read further in a dictionary and you'll find something like:
"3a. Characteristic of a particular category, condition, or locality: a problem unique to coastal areas.
b. Informal: unusual; extraordinary (example: 'She spoke with a unique accent.')"
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unique
For those who fret about the matter,
1) The etymology of origin of a word is NOT the only legitimate contributor to its meaning(s)! If that were the case, we'd still be using "nice" to mean "ignorant".
2) There need not be any confusion. It's usually rather clear from the context which sense of the word is intended.
(I personally prefer to use the word only in its older, narrower senses. But I don't begrudge others the "informal" sense.)
All that said, the specific expression "MORE unique" is probably best avoided ! "More unusual" will likely do the job better.
2006-07-25 00:24:21 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As you correctly point out, 'more unique' is poor grammar. However, unique IS an absolute, in that a thing is unique or it is not. Adding embellishments to a song can make it an interpretation unique; it cannot make it more unique. B
2006-07-25 00:19:27 · answer #2 · answered by Bethany 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unique is a final. Either something is unique or not.
It is like using the "est" on the end of a word. Like funniest or happiest...there is no more.
Unique is the same way.
2006-07-25 01:02:55 · answer #3 · answered by Jennifer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋