individual
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for individual, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A single person, considered on their own rather than as part of a group.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use individual
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin individualis, from Latin individuum ("an indivisible thing"), from in- ("not") plus dividuus ("divisible").
Full origin of individual →Frequently asked questions
What does “individual” mean?
The word “individual” means a single person, considered on their own rather than as part of a group. In plain terms, one single person or thing, looked at on its own rather than lumped in with a group.
How do you pronounce “individual”?
“Individual” is pronounced ihn-dih-VIHD-zhoorl (/ˌɪndɪˈvɪd͡ʒ(u)əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “individual” in a sentence?
Here is “individual” used in a sentence: “The charity supports each individual according to their needs.”
What part of speech is “individual”?
Depending on how it is used, “individual” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “individual” come from?
The word “individual” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin individualis, from Latin individuum ("an indivisible thing"), from in- ("not") plus dividuus ("divisible").
Is “individual” a common word?
“Individual” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “individual” have?
“Individual” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a single person, considered on their own rather than as part of a group.
What is the difference between an individual and a person?
The words overlap, but 'individual' stresses singleness and separateness — one person considered apart from any group. 'Person' is the plain, neutral word for a human being. You use 'individual' when you want to highlight that someone is distinct from the crowd, as in 'each individual matters,' rather than just naming a human.
What does it mean to be an individual?
To be an individual is to be a single, distinct person with your own qualities, opinions, and choices, rather than blending into a group. The word often carries the idea of independence and originality — 'a real individual' suggests someone who thinks and acts for themselves instead of simply following others.
Is 'individual' a noun or an adjective?
It works as both. As a noun it means a single person — 'one individual complained.' As an adjective it means single, separate, or belonging to one person — 'individual portions,' 'each individual case.' The two uses are closely linked, both pointing to something considered singly rather than collectively.
What is the difference between individual and group?
An individual is a single person on their own; a group is several people considered together. The two are natural opposites: individual decisions are made by one person, while group decisions involve many. Much of psychology and management explores how people behave as individuals versus how they act within a group.