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

4

: having marked individuality <an individual style>

— in·di·vid·u·al·ly adverb

Examples of INDIVIDUAL

1. What are the individual traits of the breed?
2. The doctor carefully evaluates the individual needs of her patients.
3. Students will receive as much individual attention as possible.
4. She has a very individual style of writing.
5. 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

Antonyms

general, generic, popular, public, shared, universal

Related Words

characteristic, distinctive, intimate; identifying, idiosyncratic; especial, express, special, specific; independent, nonconformist, self-directed, self-sufficient; custom, customized, specialized

Near Antonyms

broad, prevailing, prevalent, widespread; common, normal, regular, typical

See Synonym Discussion at special, characteristic

²individual

noun

Definition 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

1. They promote a philosophy that sacrifices the rights of the individual for the public welfare.
2. They are both rather odd individuals.
3. Are you the individual I spoke with on the telephone?
4. She's a very talented individual.
5. The markings on tigers are unique to each individual.

First Known Use of INDIVIDUAL

1605

Related to INDIVIDUAL

Synonyms

baby, being, bird, bod [British], body, character, cookie (or cooky), creature, customer, devil, duck, egg, face, fish, guy, head, human being, human, life, man, mortal, party, person, personage, scout, slob, sort, soul, specimen, stiff, thing, wight

Related Words

hominid, homo, humanoid; brother, fellow, fellowman, neighbor; celebrity, personality, self, somebody

Near Antonyms

animal, beast, beastie, brute, critter