Dictionary

1individual

adjective in·di·vid·u·al \ˌin-də-ˈvij-wəl, -ˈvi-jə-wəl, -ˈvi-jəl, -ˈvi-jü-əl\

: of, relating to, or existing as just one member or part of a larger group

: having a special and unusual quality that is easily seen

: intended or designed for one person

Full 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
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Origin of INDIVIDUAL

Medieval Latin individualis, from Latin individuus indivisible, from in- + dividuus divided, from dividere to divide
First Known Use: 15th century

Synonym Discussion of INDIVIDUAL

special, especial, specific, particular, individual mean of or relating to one thing or class. special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own <special ingredients>. especial may add implications of preeminence or preference <a matter of especial importance>. specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species <children with specific nutritional needs>. particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual <a ballet step of particular difficulty>. individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group <valued each individual opinion>.

characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity. characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class <responded with her characteristic wit>. individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class <a highly individual writing style>. peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness <an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British>. distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy <a distinctive aura of grace and elegance>.

2individual

noun

: a single person : a person who is considered separate from the rest of a group

: a particular person

: a single member or part of a group

Full 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

First Known Use of INDIVIDUAL

1605
INDIVIDUALS Defined for Kids

1individual

adjective in·di·vid·u·al \ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wəl\

Definition of INDIVIDUAL for Kids

1
:  relating to a single member of a group <individual needs>
2
:  intended for one person <an individual pizza>
3
:  1particular 1, separate <Each individual case is different.>
4
:  having a special quality :  distinctive <an individual style>
in·di·vid·u·al·ly adverb

2individual

noun

Definition of INDIVIDUAL for Kids

1
:  a single member of a group
2
:  a single human being

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