noun / adjective

individual

in-di-VIJ-oo-ul/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/

One person or thing considered separately from others.

One individual in the group portrait is marked with an oval.

A small group portrait with one person singled out by a thin editorial oval.

Etymology

inLatinnot

+dividuLatindivisible

+alLatinrelating to

“Not divisible” first described something inseparable, then something single and separate. As a noun, individual came to mean one human being considered as a distinct unit rather than as part of a group.

In context

CCPEP videos5:44

ask yourself to what extent do you see people as both an individual and also a member of a cultural group?

Stereotypes & Assumptions

More examples

Each individual has a chance to speak.
The bakery sells individual slices of cake.
These desks give students individual workspaces.

Forms

individual · individuals

Similar words

person: Refers only to a human being, not a thing.
single: Emphasizes one rather than multiple people or things.
separate: Emphasizes being apart rather than belonging to a whole.