Which text uses the word unique in its traditional sense?
Dean bought his unique coffee table from a factory outlet store in Georgetown. Dean custom ordered his unique coffee table from a master craftsman in Georgetown.
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner.
When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences.
Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam.
The traditional usage above is considered more standard.
David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.
The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The second text uses unique in its traditional sense: being the only one of its kind.
Dean custom ordered his unique coffee table from a master craftsman in Georgetown.
The first text uses unique in its nontraditional sense: interesting or unusual. Dean's coffee table is an interesting style, but it was made in a factory and is probably not actually one of a kind.
Dean bought his unique coffee table from a factory outlet store in Georgetown.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word unique because it is considered more standard.