individual
ihn-dih-VIHD-zhoorl
Individual (noun) means a single person, considered on their own rather than as part of a group. Example: “The charity supports each individual according to their needs.”
noun
1
A single person, considered on their own rather than as part of a group.
"The charity supports each individual according to their needs."
"She's a strong-willed individual who rarely follows the crowd."
"Every individual in the room was asked to write down one idea."
adjective
1
Relating to or meant for one particular person or thing, rather than several.
"Each student receives individual attention from the tutor."
"The hotel gives every guest an individual key card for their own room."
"She booked an individual lesson because she wanted the teacher's full attention."
How to use individual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne single person or thing, looked at on its own rather than lumped in with a group.
Common pairings
a private individual
individual attention
individual rights
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Word forms
- Plural
- individuals
- Comparative
- more individual
- Superlative
- most individual
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The charity supports each _____ according to their needs.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin individualis, from Latin individuum ("an indivisible thing"), from in- ("not") plus dividuus ("divisible").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for individual
See all rhymes for 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.
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