1 (number)

: This article discusses the number one. For the year AD 1, see 1. For other uses of 1, see 1 (disambiguation)

In human society

Many human cultures have given the concept of one-ness symbolic meanings. Many religions consider God to be a perfect example of one-ness.

Related Topics:
God - One-ness

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See monad for a detailed discussion of other types of one-ness.

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One represents unity, togetherness, and absence of separation or discrimination, e.g. "We are all one."

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Something is unique if it is the only one of its kind. More loosely and exaggeratingly (especially in advertising) the term is used for something very special.

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One is also an (archaic) expression of the first person singular ("one is not amused") and of the second person singular ("does one take sugar?").

Related Topics:
First person singular - Second person singular

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In Western culture, it is believed by many that the maximum number of girlfriends or boyfriends one may have at one time is 1. Also, it is strongly believed that you can be married to only 1 person at any time - this is called monogamy. Being married to more than one person at any time is called bigamy, polygamy. This is illegal in many Western societies.

Related Topics:
Western culture - Monogamy - Bigamy - Polygamy

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Among children, or when otherwise calling for subtlety, the phrase "number 1" can refer to the act of urinating. This can derive from a traditional U.S. elementary school practice of holding up one or two fingers to indicate the approximate time of a requested absence.

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"Number 1" can also refer to oneself, or that something is first in its class, the latter being used often as a cheer in sports games.

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