WordGarden.iosingly
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪŋɡli/
US
- /ˈsɪŋɡli/
Meanings
Adverb
one at a time or as separate units, rather than together
Beyond the definition
To do something singly means to do it one at a time, separately, or alone. Imagine planting seeds in a garden. If you place each seed into the soil one by one, you are planting them singly.
The word suggests individual action rather than group action. A lone wolf hunts singly, while wolves in a pack hunt together. You might also be told to pack glasses singly, meaning each glass should be wrapped and packed by itself. In some contexts, it can also mean "alone" in the sense of "without others."
The word "singly" describes something happening one at a time, individually, or alone. It emphasizes the separation and distinctness of each instance. Think about counting sheep—you count them singly, not all at once!
It's often used to contrast with things done collectively or in groups. A gardener might plant seeds singly into the soil, carefully placing each one before moving on to the next. In a factory, items may move singly along a belt so each one can be checked or packed on its own.
Singly can also suggest a lack of company or support. A traveler who prefers to hike singly enjoys solitude and independence. It is not necessarily negative; it simply highlights that something is being done without other people.
Historically, "singly" comes from the Latin word singulus, meaning "one each" or "individual." It is less common in everyday conversation than words like "individually" or "separately," but it has a clear and useful sense. If something happens one by one, separately, or alone, it is happening singly.
Examples
- 1
Display arrangement
The photos were displayed singly along the hallway.
- 2
Sales option
These cups are available singly or in a boxed set.
- Phraseavailable singly
available one at a time, not only as part of a set
- 3
Combined evidence
The facts seem unimportant singly, but together they tell a different story.
See also
Similar
- individually
- separately
- one by one
Shades of meaning
- alone
- one at a time
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- serve singly
- occur singly
- appear singly
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- singlyadverb