individual

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.

“Individual” is pronounced ihn-dih-VIHD-zhoorl (/ˌɪndɪˈvɪd͡ʒ(u)əl/ in IPA).

Here is “individual” used in a sentence: “The charity supports each individual according to their needs.”

Depending on how it is used, “individual” can be a noun and an adjective.

The word “individual” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin individualis, from Latin individuum ("an indivisible thing"), from in- ("not") plus dividuus ("divisible").

“Individual” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.