Answer: Why is "most unique" incorrect?
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fandom_grammarWhy is “most unique” incorrect?
If something is unique, it is completely different from anything else. Unique is generally classed as an absolute word (other absolutes include equal, complete, perfect, and, of course, absolute itself). This means that it cannot be compared or modified. The word unique comes from unicus, which means “single or sole,” and the root of unicas is unum, which is Latin for one. If a thing is unique, it is the only one of its kind. A one-of-a-kind diamond is already one-of-a-kind; it cannot be more or less or very one-of-a-kind. The same goes for a unique painting or idea or animal--nothing can make it more or less unique.
Unique was first recorded in the beginning of the 17th century, but around the late 18th century it began to experience a good deal of usage spread. Like any suddenly popular word, people have been quick to apply it to just about anything and everything, whether it is pertinent or not.
"Unique" has often been mistakenly correlated with “rare.” According to Dictionary.com, rare is defined as “uncommon or thinly distributed.” That still implies there are several of this item, and thus they cannot be unique. The last dodo in the world was unique; the last four hundred whooping cranes in existence are rare.
Ad copy frequently equates unique with “distinct” or “unusual,” as in, “Our product is the most unique in the market.” The product could very well be unusual or unduplicated by its competitors, but is it the only one of its kind? Probably not, as that would make business a little difficult. (However, a product can be unique to a country or locale or company. Cadbury doesn’t sell Snickers, so it can be said that Snickers are unique to Mars, Incorporated. As an ad campaign, though, that phrase is a little lacking.)
If you want to say that X is different or unusual or rare or distinct, it’s probably best to say just that. If you want to say that X is the only one of its kind, or that X has no equal, or that it is impossible to compare X to anything else in the world, go with unique.
Sources:
Dictionary.com: Unique
If something is unique, it is completely different from anything else. Unique is generally classed as an absolute word (other absolutes include equal, complete, perfect, and, of course, absolute itself). This means that it cannot be compared or modified. The word unique comes from unicus, which means “single or sole,” and the root of unicas is unum, which is Latin for one. If a thing is unique, it is the only one of its kind. A one-of-a-kind diamond is already one-of-a-kind; it cannot be more or less or very one-of-a-kind. The same goes for a unique painting or idea or animal--nothing can make it more or less unique.
WRONG: “This killer’s MO is the most unique I’ve ever seen,” Spencer Reid said, nudging the feather boa with his foot.
RIGHT: “This killer’s MO is the most unusual I’ve ever seen,” Spencer Reid said, nudging the feather boa with his foot.
RIGHT: “This killer’s MO is unique; I’ve never seen anything like it,” Spencer Reid said, nudging the feather boa with his foot.
Unique was first recorded in the beginning of the 17th century, but around the late 18th century it began to experience a good deal of usage spread. Like any suddenly popular word, people have been quick to apply it to just about anything and everything, whether it is pertinent or not.
"Unique" has often been mistakenly correlated with “rare.” According to Dictionary.com, rare is defined as “uncommon or thinly distributed.” That still implies there are several of this item, and thus they cannot be unique. The last dodo in the world was unique; the last four hundred whooping cranes in existence are rare.
WRONG: "As to how I recognized him, Watson," Holmes said, "Lord Clarence habitually smokes one of the more unique brands of Russian cigars."
RIGHT: "As to how I recognized him, Watson," Holmes said, "Lord Clarence habitually smokes one of the rarer brands of Russian cigars."
RIGHT: "As to how I recognized him, Watson," Holmes said, "Lord Clarence habitually smokes a unique brand of Russian cigar."
Ad copy frequently equates unique with “distinct” or “unusual,” as in, “Our product is the most unique in the market.” The product could very well be unusual or unduplicated by its competitors, but is it the only one of its kind? Probably not, as that would make business a little difficult. (However, a product can be unique to a country or locale or company. Cadbury doesn’t sell Snickers, so it can be said that Snickers are unique to Mars, Incorporated. As an ad campaign, though, that phrase is a little lacking.)
WRONG: Juliet O’Hara had observed many detecting styles in her career, but Shawn Spencer’s certainly was the most unique.
RIGHT: Juliet O’Hara had observed many detecting styles in her career, but Shawn Spencer’s certainly was the most unconventional.
RIGHT: Juliet O’Hara had observed many detecting styles in her career, but Shawn Spencer’s certainly was unique.
If you want to say that X is different or unusual or rare or distinct, it’s probably best to say just that. If you want to say that X is the only one of its kind, or that X has no equal, or that it is impossible to compare X to anything else in the world, go with unique.
Sources:
Dictionary.com: Unique
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no subject
3/3/09 06:22 (UTC)no subject
3/3/09 21:04 (UTC)no subject
3/3/09 12:24 (UTC)*licks his nose*
no subject
3/3/09 21:04 (UTC)no subject
3/3/09 23:29 (UTC)It is also very funny that Ed is the grammar police now what with Hugh's grammar and spelling problems. *pets him*
no subject
27/4/09 06:16 (UTC)