Which text uses the word unique in its traditional sense?
Beth's collection of handmade pottery was featured in last week's edition of the Georgetown Journal, which identified her as "one of the most unique young artists to debut this year." Each vase and bowl in Beth's collection of handmade pottery is unique. The colors and designs reflect both her cultural heritage and her individual artistic style.
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.
Each vase and bowl in Beth's collection of handmade pottery is unique. The colors and designs reflect both her cultural heritage and her individual artistic style.
The first text uses unique in its nontraditional sense: interesting or unusual. Beth is a distinctive artist, but might not be one of a kind. It may be helpful to remember that if unique is modified by an adverb—as in most unique, very unique, or quite unique—it is probably being used nontraditionally.
Beth's collection of handmade pottery was featured in last week's edition of the Georgetown Journal, which identified her as "one of the most unique young artists to debut this year."
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word unique because it is considered more standard.