individualism

Meanings

Plural: individualisms

Noun

• the quality of being individual
• a belief in the importance of the individual and the virtue of self-reliance and personal independence
• the doctrine that government should not interfere in commercial affairs
• The tendency for a person to act without reference to others, particularly in matters of style, fashion or mode of thought.
• The moral stance, political philosophy, or social outlook that promotes independence and self-reliance of individual people, while opposing the interference with each person's choices by society, the state, or any other group or institution.
• The doctrine that only individual things are real.
• The doctrine that nothing exists but the individual self.

Synonyms

individuality, individuation, laissez faire, solipsism

Antonyms

collectivism, commonality, statism