SINGLENESS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does singleness mean? 

• SINGLENESS (noun)
  The noun SINGLENESS has 2 senses:

1. without hypocrisy

2. the quality of concentrating on one central objective

  Familiarity information: SINGLENESS used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SINGLENESS (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Without hypocrisy

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

singleness; straightforwardness

Context example:

the singleness of his motives could not be questioned

Hypernyms ("singleness" is a kind of...):

sincerity (the quality of being open and truthful; not deceitful or hypocritical)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The quality of concentrating on one central objective

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Context example:

his singleness of purpose

Hypernyms ("singleness" is a kind of...):

assiduity; assiduousness; concentration (great and constant diligence and attention)

Derivation:

single (not divided among or brought to bear on more than one object or objective)

 Context examples 

Both the god and the clod schools erred, in Martin's estimation, and erred through too great singleness of sight and purpose.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

That Lady Russell, of steady age and character, and extremely well provided for, should have no thought of a second marriage, needs no apology to the public, which is rather apt to be unreasonably discontented when a woman does marry again, than when she does not; but Sir Walter's continuing in singleness requires explanation.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

Jonathan's impetuosity, and the manifest singleness of his purpose, seemed to overawe those in front of him; instinctively they cowered, aside and let him pass. In an instant he had jumped upon the cart, and, with a strength which seemed incredible, raised the great box, and flung it over the wheel to the ground.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

As a result, he concentrated with a similar singleness of purpose, greedily snapping up the hints and suggestions thrown out by his working mate.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)