individualism

in·di·vid·u·al·ism  (nd-vj--lzm)

n.

1.

a. Belief in the primary importance of the individual and in the virtues of self-reliance and personal independence.

b. Acts or an act based on this belief.

2.

a. A doctrine advocating freedom from government regulation in the pursuit of a person's economic goals.

b. A doctrine holding that the interests of the individual should take precedence over the interests of the state or social group.

3.

a. The quality of being an individual; individuality.

b. An individual characteristic; a quirk.

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individualism

Noun

1. the principle of leading one's life in one's own way

2. same as laissez faire

3. egotism

individualist n
individualistic adj

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individualism

the practice of independence in thought and action on the premise that the development and expression of an individual character and personality are of the utmost importance. Cf. egoism. — individualist, n. — individualistic, adj.

See also: Self

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the practice of independence in thought and action on the premise that the development and expression of an individual character and personality are of the utmost importance. Cf. egoism. — individualist, n. — individualistic, adj.

See also: Attitudes

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	individualism - the quality of being individual; "so absorbed by the movement that she lost all sense of individuality" individuality, individuation trait - a distinguishing feature of your personal nature singularity, uniqueness - the quality of being one of a kind; "that singularity distinguished him from all his companions" distinctiveness, specialness, specialty, peculiarity, speciality - a distinguishing trait
	2.	individualism - a belief in the importance of the individual and the virtue of self-reliance and personal independence belief - any cognitive content held as true rugged individualism - individualism in social and economic affairs; belief not only in personal liberty and self-reliance but also in free competition
	3.	individualism - the doctrine that government should not interfere in commercial affairs laissez faire doctrine, ism, philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought - a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school

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individualism

noun independence, self-interest, originality, self-reliance, egoism, egocentricity, self-direction, freethinking