C2nounformalsocietyphilosophy
US/ˌɪn.dɪˈvɪdʒ.u.əl.ɪ.zəm/
UK/ˌɪn.dɪˈvɪdʒ.u.əl.ɪ.zəm/
the belief that each person's freedom and needs matter more than those of the group or state
In context
American culture is often linked with individualism and a distrust of big government.
Some older people in Vietnam worry that individualism is weakening family ties.
The designer's bold individualism set her apart from everyone else at the fashion show.
Words that go with individualism
adjective + noun
- rugged individualismThe cowboy is a symbol of rugged individualism.
- Western individualismThe book compares Western individualism with Asian ideas of community.
noun + preposition
- culture of individualismCritics blame a culture of individualism for growing loneliness.
- rise of individualismThe rise of individualism changed how people chose their partners.
noun + noun
- individualism and collectivismPsychologists often contrast individualism and collectivism across cultures.