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unique, unique to

The adjective unique is an absolute term meaning “one of a kind”; therefore, do not write the most unique or very unique. Note that unique is preceded by the article a (not an).

  • The University of Guelph Arboretum has a unique combination of Japanese, English and Italian gardens.

Unique is sometimes used informally to mean “unusual, remarkable or outstanding,” but this is non-standard.

  • Yours is an unusual proposal, but it could not accurately be called unique.

Unique to indicates something that is found in only one place, culture, etc.

  • The Canada goose is not unique to Canada.