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individual

Meaning in simple English

US /ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒuəl/ · UK /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/

individual means: One person considered separately from other people.

noun

ONE PERSONB1

One person considered separately from other people.

  • Each individual has a name.
  • The group includes individuals from several countries.
  • One individual was responsible for the damage.

Similar words: person

Common phrases: each individual, an individual, private individual, unusual individual

adjective

SEPARATE OR SINGLEB1

Considered separately, or made for one person or thing at a time.

  • The cakes come in individual boxes.
  • Each individual student received a book.
  • We ordered individual portions instead of sharing a large dish.

Similar words: separate, single

Opposites: shared, combined

Common phrases: individual members, individual portions, individual rooms

PERSONALB2

Belonging or relating to one person rather than a whole group.

  • We respect individual choice.
  • The plan considers each child’s individual needs.
  • This law protects individual rights.

Similar words: personal

Opposites: collective

Common phrases: individual rights, individual needs, individual freedom

CANNOT BE DIVIDEDC2

Unable to be divided into smaller parts while remaining the same kind of thing.

  • The philosopher described an individual substance.
  • An individual entity loses its identity when divided.
  • The argument treats the soul as individual and complete.

Similar words: indivisible

Opposites: divisible

Common phrases: individual unit, individual entity, individual substance

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