unity

noun

uni·​ty ˈyü-nə-tē How to pronounce unity (audio)
plural unities
1
a
: the quality or state of not being multiple : oneness
b(1)
: a definite amount taken as one or for which 1 is made to stand in calculation
in a table of natural sines the radius of the circle is regarded as unity
2
a
: a condition of harmony : accord
b
: continuity without deviation or change (as in purpose or action)
3
a
: the quality or state of being made one : unification
b
: a combination or ordering of parts in a literary or artistic production that constitutes a whole or promotes an undivided total effect
also : the resulting singleness of effect or symmetry and consistency of style and character
4
: a totality of related parts : an entity that is a complex or systematic whole
5
: any of three principles of dramatic structure derived by French classicists from Aristotle's Poetics and requiring a play to have a single action represented as occurring in one place and within one day
6
capitalized : a 20th century American religious movement that emphasizes spiritual sources of health and prosperity

Examples of unity in a Sentence

a sense of national unity there's an aesthetic unity to the sculpture garden that makes it an ideal spot for quiet relaxing
Recent Examples on the Web Members of the Caricom regional trade bloc have been trying for months to get political actors in Haiti to agree to form an umbrella transitional unity government. Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 10 Mar. 2024 The unity among camp factions and their conflict with Israeli forces is also placing the communities increasingly beyond the reach of the governing PA, which sees the militant brigades and their fierce autonomy as a challenge to its own authority. Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2024 The cross-cultural exchange goes beyond technology, fostering mutual respect and unity, contributing to economic advancements and promoting the exchange of ideas in all aspects of life. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 In Ukraine, culture has been a wellspring of unity and resilience in fending off Russian aggression. Suzanne Nossel, Foreign Affairs, 29 Feb. 2024 Such activities could not only benefit the environment but also create a powerful sense of unity and shared purpose. Colin Bishop, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Now, as these bitter divisions re-emerge, disillusioned reservists are at the vanguard of movements demanding a political reset, seeking unity and repudiating what many view as extreme polarization. Isabel Kershner, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2024 Continuing our motto of unity through music, the festival will be an unforgettable experience for our ever-growing community. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2024 Instead, some went to Grand Rapids, but others to Houghton Lake or Battle Creek or just stayed away, which strengthened the unity of the Grand Rapids convention. Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English unite, from Anglo-French unité, from Latin unitat-, unitas, from unus one — more at one

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near unity

Cite this Entry

“Unity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unity. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unity

noun
uni·​ty ˈyü-nət-ē How to pronounce unity (audio)
plural unities
1
: the quality or state of being one
2
: the state of those that are in full agreement : harmony
3
a
: a mathematical quantity or combination of quantities treated as equivalent to one in a calculation
called the distance between earth and the sun unity and calculated other distances as multiples
4
: the combination or arrangement of parts in a work of art or literature that produces a total effect

Legal Definition

unity

noun
uni·​ty ˈyü-nə-tē How to pronounce unity (audio)
plural unities
1
: the quality or state of not being multiple : the quality or state of being one, single, whole, or the same
only if there is unity of ownership of the immovable and movables
2
: an aspect (as time, title, interest, or possession) of a joint tenancy that must be identical as it relates to the cotenants
such a conveyance severs the joint tenancy by removing the unities of time and title

Note: At common law, all four unities were required to be present for a joint tenancy. Conveying the interests of the cotenants at the same time creates the unity of time. Conveying the interests of the cotenants in the same instrument creates the unity of title. Conveying the same interest (as fee simple absolute) to the cotenants creates the unity of interest. Conveying a common right of possession or enjoyment creates the unity of possession.

More from Merriam-Webster on unity

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