Meaning & Definition of word "Individual"

Individual

/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/

noun:

  • 1. A single human being as distinct from a group, class, or family.
    • Example: Each individual has a unique perspective on life.
  • 2. A person or being.
    • Example: She is an individual who stands out in a crowd.
  • 3. An organism or living thing.
    • Example: The study focused on the behavior of individual plants in the ecosystem.

adjective:

  • 1. Being or characteristic of a single person or thing.
    • Example: The individual approach to teaching helps students learn better.
  • 2. Single; separate.
    • Example: Each individual item in the collection was carefully labeled.

Etymology

From Latin 'individuus' meaning 'indivisible'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

individual rights:

The legal entitlements of a single person.

individual approach:

A method tailored to the needs of a specific person.

individualism:

A social theory advocating the independence of individuals.

Related Words

personality:

The distinctive qualities and traits of an individual.

identity:

The condition of being a distinct individual.

self:

A person's essential being that distinguishes them from others.

Slang Meanings of individual

Meaning: Diggin' the individual

Example Sentence: I’m really diggin' your individual style!

Meaning: Solo act

Example Sentence: He’s such a solo act, always doing his own thing.