individual Hear it!

individual definition

in·di·vid·ual (in′də vij′o̵̅o̅ əl; -vij′əl)

adjective

  1. Obsolete not divisible; not separable
  2. existing as a single, separate thing or being; single; separate; particular
  3. of, for, or by a single person or thing
  4. relating to or characteristic of a single person or thing
  5. distinguished from others by special characteristics; of a unique or striking character an individual style

Etymology: ML individualis < L individuus (< in-, in- + dividuus, divisible < dividere, to divide) + -al

noun

  1. a single thing, being, or organism, esp., when regarded as a member of a class, species, group, etc.
  2. a person

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

individual Synonyms

individual

modif.

  1. Separate

    specific, personal, private, proper, own, particular, singular, special, especial, definite, lone, alone, solitary, secluded, original, distinct, distinctive, characteristic, personalized, individualized, exclusive, select, single, only, indivisible, reserved, sole; see also private, special 1.

    Antonyms collective*, public*, social. *

  2. Unusual

    uncommon, singular, peculiar; see different 1, unique 1, unusual 2. See syn. study at characteristic.


individual

n.

human being, person, self, somebody; see child, man 2, person 1, woman 1.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

individual Usage Examples

Converse of subject

  • perpetrate: However, the main threat continues to be external fraud, perpetrated by individuals or organized criminal gangs.

Converse of object

  • empower: This new empowered individual was encouraged, impelled even, in a mission of self improvement.

Adjective modifier

  • talented: They are seeking a talented individual to join their team on a part time basis for an initial period of six months.

Modifies a noun

  • basis: Roger is happy to work either with small groups or on an individual basis.

Noun used with modifier

  • living: Personal data is information that can be used, either directly or indirectly, to identify a living individual.
individual usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

individual quotes

The feeling individual appeared weaköhe felt only his own weakness.But if he accepted his weakness and his separateness and descended into himself, intensifying his loneliness, he discovered his solidarity with other isolated creatures.

-Bellow, Saul

Corporation, n. An ingenious device for obtaining individual profit without individual responsibility.

-Bierce, Ambrose Gwinett

I hold no brief for private enterprise.But I have unshakeable faith in individual enterprise.

-Burton, C(harles) L(uther)

individual quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Link to this page:

Cite this page:

MLA Style

"individual." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/individual>

APA Style

individual. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/individual

Comments:

Please or Register to post a comment