individual
1in·di·vid·u·al
adjective \ˌin-də-ˈvij-wəl, -ˈvi-jə-wəl, -ˈvi-jəl, -ˈvi-jü-əl\Definition of INDIVIDUAL
1
obsolete : inseparable
2
a : of, relating to, or distinctively associated with an individual <an individual effort> b : being an individual or existing as an indivisible whole c : intended for one person <an individual serving>
3
: existing as a distinct entity : separate
Examples of INDIVIDUAL
- What are the individual traits of the breed?
- The doctor carefully evaluates the individual needs of her patients.
- Students will receive as much individual attention as possible.
- She has a very individual style of writing.
- a pattern as individual as a fingerprint
Origin of INDIVIDUAL
Medieval Latin individualis, from Latin individuus indivisible, from in- + dividuus divided, from dividere to divide
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to INDIVIDUAL
- Synonyms
- idiomatic, individualized, particular, patented, peculiar, personal, personalized, private, privy, separate, singular, subjective, unique
See Synonym Discussion at special, characteristic
2individual
nounDefinition of INDIVIDUAL
1
a : a particular being or thing as distinguished from a class, species, or collection: as (1) : a single human being as contrasted with a social group or institution <a teacher who works with individuals> (2) : a single organism as distinguished from a group b : a particular person <are you the individual I spoke with on the telephone?>
2
: an indivisible entity
3
: the reference of a name or variable of the lowest logical type in a calculus
Examples of INDIVIDUAL
- They promote a philosophy that sacrifices the rights of the individual for the public welfare.
- They are both rather odd individuals.
- Are you the individual I spoke with on the telephone?
- She's a very talented individual.
- The markings on tigers are unique to each individual.
First Known Use of INDIVIDUAL
1605
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