particularitat

Particularitat is a noun used to describe the quality or state of being particular: the distinctive or unique features that define a person, place, thing, or phenomenon in a way that sets it apart from others. The term is used across languages with Latin roots, including Catalan (particularitat) and French (particularité) or Spanish (particularidad). Its etymology traces to Latin particula, meaning a small part, and it is commonly contrasted with generality or universality.

In philosophy, particularitat refers to the instantiation of properties in concrete objects or events rather than in general classes. Philosophers distinguish between universal concepts and their particular applications, with historical debates among scholastic and modern thinkers about how particulars relate to universals and laws.

In the social sciences and cultural studies, the term emphasizes local, specific traits that characterize a culture, community, place, or tradition—such as dialect, cuisine, rituals, and built environment—while acknowledging variation within broader categories. The concept supports analyses that attend to context, history, and material conditions that shape everyday life.

Usage notes: focusing on particularitat can illuminate context-dependent meanings but may risk essentializing or overemphasizing difference if not balanced with recognition of commonalities and cross-context comparisons. In policy or governance, acknowledging regional particularitats can guide tailored approaches while avoiding stereotyping.

See also: universality, particularity, local knowledge, cultural identity.