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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

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 Synonyms

individual

n.

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

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.
  • enable: The TPS enables individuals to register their objection to receiving direct marketing calls with a central service.
  • involve: However, cases involving individuals may be mediated by a solo mediator.
  • assist: Going to a gym enables the all round enhancement of fitness as coaches will teach, support and assist individuals in their training.
  • nominate: Have nominated individuals been made responsible for detecting, investigating and correcting unsafe behaviors?
  • identify: Personal data is information that can be used, either directly or indirectly, to identify a living individual.

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.
  • private: Business volumes with private individuals continued to grow robustly, in line with expectations.
  • affected: Affected individuals suffer terribly with chronic breathlessness as the lungs are progressively destroyed.
  • enthusiastic: Are you an enthusiastic individual seeking an exciting challenge in national newspapers?
  • wealthy: The cost of defending these claims aside from the eventual damages award is often beyond the pocket of all but the wealthiest individuals.
  • committed: Remember, a few committed individuals can change the world - look at what the suffragettes did.

Modifies a noun

  • basis: Roger is happy to work either with small groups or on an individual basis.
  • need: How easy is to tailor them to individual students needs?
  • member: There are also private wrecking trips organized throughout the year by individual members.
  • circumstance: Not all of these examples will be applicable to the individual circumstances of every department.
  • requirement: Material is presented in full by our lecturing team, or can be selected to suit your individual training requirements.
  • case: In specific individual cases, advice should be sought.

Noun used with modifier

living: Personal data is information that can be used, either directly or indirectly, to identify a living individual.