Singly vs. Singularly — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 20, 2024
Singly is the act of doing something one at a time or individually, emphasizing the isolation of elements or actions. Singularly pertains to something being exceptionally good or unique, often highlighting an extraordinary characteristic.
Difference Between Singly and Singularly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Singly often implies a methodical or sequential approach, where tasks or items are handled one after another. Whereas singularly focuses more on the uniqueness or remarkable nature of an event or characteristic.
Singly can be used to describe actions performed without assistance or in isolation, suggesting independence. On the other hand, singularly is used to amplify the distinctiveness of an attribute or occurrence, often in a way that stands out from the norm.
Singly is typically associated with processes or methods that require individual attention or separate handling. While singularly conveys a sense of exceptionality or rarity, emphasizing a standout feature.
Singly might relate to the simplicity or straightforwardness of doing something one at a time. Whereas singularly can imply an extraordinary level of excellence or an unusual aspect.
Singly focuses on the element of doing something alone or one by one, often used in contexts like voting or operating devices. Singularly, however, often accompanies adjectives or verbs that denote exceptional quality or performance.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Individually, one at a time
Exceptionally, uniquely
Usage in context
Sequential or separate actions
Exceptional quality or nature
Implication
Independence, separation
Uniqueness, rarity
Common associations
Methods, processes
Attributes, occurrences
Tone and connotations
Methodical, straightforward
Remarkable, extraordinary
Compare with Definitions
Singly
Alone; not involving or including anyone or anything else.
She decided to go to the cinema singly.
Singularly
In a remarkable or noticeable way.
His talent was singularly impressive.
Singly
One at a time; individually.
The teacher called the students singly to hand out the reports.
Singularly
Uniquely; in a singular manner.
The artist's style is singularly her own.
Singly
Separately; distinct from others.
Each component must be tested singly before assembly.
Singularly
To a very great degree; exceptionally.
The event was singularly successful.
Singly
Without assistance; on one's own.
He chose to undertake the project singly.
Singularly
Indicating the unusual or rare.
It was a singularly interesting book.
Singly
Uniquely in terms of manner.
Singly focused, she completed the entire assignment in one night.
Singularly
Emphasizing the distinctiveness.
Her approach to solving problems is singularly effective.
Singly
Singly is a commune in the Ardennes department in northern France.
Singularly
Being only one; individual; lone
A singular tree in the meadow.
Singly
Without the presence of others; alone.
Singularly
Being the only one of a kind; unique
"Our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared" (Barack Obama).
Singly
Without the help of others; single-handed.
Singularly
Being beyond what is ordinary, especially in being exceptionally good; remarkable
"Dinners with [our two friends] became the evenings we looked forward to with singular pleasure" (David Halberstam).
Singly
One by one; individually.
Singularly
Strange or unusual
"I accordingly obeyed forthwith what I still considered a very singular summons" (Edgar Allan Poe).
Singly
In a single or unaccompanied manner; without a companion.
Singularly
Of, relating to, or being a noun, pronoun, or adjective denoting a single person or thing or several entities considered as a single unit.
Singly
Individually; particularly; severally.
To make men singly and personally good
Singularly
Of, relating to, or being a verb expressing the action or state of a single subject.
Singly
Without partners, companions, or associates; single-handed.
To attack another singly
Singularly
(Logic) Of or relating to the specific as distinguished from the general; individual.
Singly
Honestly; sincerely; simply.
Singularly
The singular number or a form designating it.
Singly
(obsolete) Singularly; peculiarly.
Singularly
A word having a singular number.
Singly
Individually; particularly; severally; as, to make men singly and personally good.
Singularly
Strangely; oddly.
He behaved most singularly when we met him last night.
Singly
Only; by one's self; alone.
Look thee, 't is so! Thou singly honest man.
Singularly
Extremely; remarkably.
Singly
Without partners, companions, or associates; single-handed; as, to attack another singly.
At omber singly to decide their doom.
Singularly
In the singular number; in terms of a single thing.
Singly
Honestly; sincerely; simply.
Singularly
Solely; only; uniquely
Singly
Singularly; peculiarly.
Singularly
In a singular manner; in a manner, or to a degree, not common to others; extraordinarily; as, to be singularly exact in one's statements; singularly considerate of others.
Singly
One by one; one at a time;
They were arranged singly
Singularly
Strangely; oddly; as, to behave singularly.
Singly
Apart from others;
Taken individually, the rooms were, in fact, square
The fine points are treated singly
Singularly
So as to express one, or the singular number.
Singularly
In a singular manner or to a singular degree;
Lord T. was considered singularly licentious even for the courts of Russia and Portugal; he acquired three wives and fourteen children during his Portuguese embassy alone
Common Curiosities
Can singularly be used to describe commonplace events?
Singularly typically describes events or qualities that are exceptional or rare, not commonplace.
Can both terms be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different purposes; singly focuses on individuality or separation, while singularly highlights uniqueness or excellence.
How does the tone differ when using singly versus singularly?
Using singly often conveys a practical, straightforward tone, while singularly adds a tone of distinction or excellence.
In which fields are these terms commonly used?
Singly is common in technical and procedural descriptions, whereas singularly is often used in literary and evaluative contexts.
Is singly a common term in everyday conversation?
Singly is less common in casual conversation, often replaced by terms like "individually" or "separately."
What grammatical role does singularly usually play?
Singularly also acts as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
What does singly mean in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, singly can refer to someone acting independently, without joining or collaboration with others.
What is a synonym for singularly?
A synonym for singularly is "exceptionally."
Can singularly imply negativity?
Yes, singularly can imply a negative extreme if paired with a negative attribute.
What is a synonym for singly?
A synonym for singly is "individually."
What grammatical role does singly usually play?
Singly typically acts as an adverb in a sentence.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
