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A war can perhaps be won single-handedly. But peace – lasting peace – cannot be secured without the support of all.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Single-handed (SYN – Alone)
On your own with nobody helping.
- He sailed around the world single-handed.
Single
The word single has many different meanings and uses. Here are some of the most common ones.
1. One (only before a noun)
2. For emphasis (only before a noun)
- I can’t understand a single word he says!
3. Not married or having a romantic relationship with someone.
- Are you married or single?
The plural noun singles is used for people, considered as a group, who are not married and do not have a romantic relationship with someone.
- There are lots of singles bars downtown.
4. Single parent
A person who takes care of their child or children without a husband, wife or partner.
- There are many single-parent families nowadays.
5. For one person – a single room / bed / mattress / sheet
- We only have single rooms with single beds.
Compare:
- We only have double rooms with double beds.
6. Ticket (UK – only before a noun) (US and also UK – one-way)
A single ticket can be used for travelling to a place, but not for the return journey.
- How much is a single ticket to Manchester?
Compare: return ticket (US – round-trip ticket)
- A return ticket to Brighton is cheaper than two singles.
7. A one-dollar bill (US)
- I have a five and three tens, but no singles.
Cf. Vocabulário: SINGLE
Cf. Mais Frases Célebres
Referência: “Gems of Wisdom – Inspirational Messages to Enhance the Quality of Your Life and Improve Your English” de Jack Scholes – Disal Editora, 2007. Leia a resenha.
Would be great see Lula talking this sentence in english.