spirit of individualism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spirit of individualism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mindset or attitude that values personal freedom, self-reliance, and independence. Example: "The spirit of individualism is a core principle that drives innovation and creativity in our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I want the original magazine's spirit of individualism, but not the husky, hairy-knuckled stuff," he said.

The New Yorker

Today, the spirit of individualism is so pronounced that people pine a bit for the days when they felt unified by a common enterprise.

The New Yorker

This spirit of individualism makes democracy impossible when every voter, with no party allegiance, expects to get exactly what they want, as if they were shopping.

The Guardian - Opinion

He explained that Nigeria has never seen the kind of mass movements that have flourished elsewhere in Africa; in Lagos, the spirit of individualism overwhelms the idea of solidarity.

The New Yorker

This spirit of individualism has been central to Mr. Jones's work as a choreographer during the past several decades, both for his own company and more recently for the Broadway production of "Spring Awakening," for which he won a Tony.

The New York Times

In keeping with this spirit of individualism, the Op-Ed page asked five chefs with New York restaurants what they ate on a typical day, and very roughly calculated how their menus would fit into the new pyramid.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

And yet ANW, despite being based on a Japanese show Sasuke, may reflect the American spirit of rugged individualism, bootstrap inspiration, and "content of character" equal opportunity more than any other rising sport.

The Guardian - Sport

Sure, the Louisiana Purchase was a fabulous real estate deal at the expense of the French, but how does that diminish the distinctive spirit of American individualism and enterprise that all the land helped forge?

The New York Times - Books

Reflecting the Romantic spirit of heroic individualism, the 19th century concerto tends to explore the conflict between the one (an instrumental soloist) and the many (the orchestra).

Los Angeles Times

It's difficult to argue against the romanticism of the current fishery, which speaks directly to the spirit of Alaskan individualism.

HuffPost

If he wanted to look at the most "tough, self-reliant" characters in Alaska, who elicit the "spirit of rugged individualism" he seems so taken with, those are places and people he should meet.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical or philosophical contexts, ensure that "spirit of individualism" is correctly attributed to the appropriate movement or thinker, avoiding generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "spirit of individualism" in contexts where it may be misconstrued as advocating for selfishness or disregard for others. Ensure that the context highlights the positive aspects of self-reliance and personal responsibility rather than a lack of social consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spirit of individualism" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object, describing a pervasive attitude or motivating force centered on personal autonomy and independence, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spirit of individualism" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a mindset emphasizing personal freedom and self-reliance. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as encyclopedic entries, reflecting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it is not misconstrued as promoting selfishness and consider alternatives like "individualistic mindset" or "ethos of self-reliance", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individualistic mindset

Focuses more directly on the mental attitude and beliefs that support individualism.

ethos of self-reliance

Highlights the importance of relying on oneself and one's own capabilities.

belief in personal autonomy

Emphasizes the freedom and right to self-governance.

celebration of uniqueness

Shifts the focus to valuing the distinct qualities of each individual.

independent streak

Suggests a tendency towards nonconformity and self-determination.

self-determining nature

Highlights the ability of individuals to make choices and control their own lives.

value of self-expression

Stresses the importance of individuals being able to express their own thoughts and feelings.

doctrine of self-ownership

Implies a philosophical position where individuals are seen as having exclusive rights over themselves.

autonomy-cherishing attitude

Emphasizes the emotional value placed on personal freedom and independence.

privileging of individuality

Focuses on the practice of giving greater importance or rights to individual needs and desires.

FAQs

How can I use "spirit of individualism" in a sentence?

You can use "spirit of individualism" to describe a cultural attitude, a philosophical belief, or a personal characteristic that emphasizes self-reliance, independence, and personal freedom. For example: "The American "spirit of individualism" has fostered innovation and entrepreneurship.".

What's a good alternative to "spirit of individualism"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "spirit of individualism" include "individualistic mindset", "ethos of self-reliance", or "belief in personal autonomy". Choose the alternative that best captures the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between individualism and "spirit of individualism"?

"Spirit of individualism" refers more to the underlying motivation, attitude, or cultural value that drives individualistic behavior. Individualism, on the other hand, is a broader term that describes the practice or belief in the importance of the individual. Therefore, "spirit of individualism" suggests a more emotional or philosophical inclination.

Is "spirit of individualism" always a positive trait?

While often viewed positively, the "spirit of individualism" can be perceived negatively if it leads to excessive self-centeredness or a lack of social responsibility. The context is essential in determining whether the emphasis on individual freedom and self-reliance is constructive or detrimental.