C1 adjective Neutral

individual

/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/

Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Each individual piece of the puzzle is unique and fits in only one spot.

Each individual piece of the puzzle is unique and fits in only one spot.

2

The court must protect the individual rights of every citizen regardless of their background.

The court must protect the individual rights of every citizen regardless of their background.

3

I need some individual time to just clear my head and relax.

I need some individual time to just clear my head and relax.

Word Family

Noun
individual
Verb
individualize
Adverb
individually
Adjective
individual
Related
individuality
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Memory Tip

Think of the word as 'In-divide-ual'—it represents a unit that is already so small it cannot be divided any further.

Quick Quiz

The coach decided to give the athlete ______ training sessions to improve her specific technique.

Correct!

The correct answer is: individual

Examples

1

Each individual piece of the puzzle is unique and fits in only one spot.

everyday

Each individual piece of the puzzle is unique and fits in only one spot.

2

The court must protect the individual rights of every citizen regardless of their background.

formal

The court must protect the individual rights of every citizen regardless of their background.

3

I need some individual time to just clear my head and relax.

informal

I need some individual time to just clear my head and relax.

4

Statistical analysis shows that individual variations in data can often be attributed to environmental factors.

academic

Statistical analysis shows that individual variations in data can often be attributed to environmental factors.

5

Our company provides individual performance reviews to help employees identify their specific strengths.

business

Our company provides individual performance reviews to help employees identify their specific strengths.

Word Family

Noun
individual
Verb
individualize
Adverb
individually
Adjective
individual
Related
individuality

Common Collocations

individual needs individual needs
individual attention individual attention
individual liberty individual liberty
individual differences individual differences
individual responsibility individual responsibility

Common Phrases

individual effort

individual effort

respect for the individual

respect for the individual

on an individual basis

on an individual basis

Often Confused With

individual vs personal

'Individual' refers to one unit or person as a separate entity from a group, whereas 'personal' refers to things belonging to or affecting a person's private life.

individual vs separate

'Separate' simply means not joined, while 'individual' implies a single instance that possesses its own unique characteristics.

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Usage Notes

At a C1 level, 'individual' is frequently used in academic and formal writing to replace the more common 'each' or 'person' to sound more precise and objective. It emphasizes the lack of connection to a group.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'individual' as a noun (meaning 'a person') in informal contexts where it might sound overly clinical or cold. Stick to 'person' for everyday conversation.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word as 'In-divide-ual'—it represents a unit that is already so small it cannot be divided any further.

📖

Word Origin

From the Medieval Latin 'individualis', meaning 'indivisible' or 'single', derived from Latin 'individuus'.

Grammar Patterns

Used attributively (before a noun) to specify a single unit. Can function as both an adjective and a countable noun. Does not typically have a comparative or superlative form.
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Cultural Context

The concept of the 'individual' is central to Western philosophy and political thought, particularly in the context of individualism versus collectivism.

Quick Quiz

The coach decided to give the athlete ______ training sessions to improve her specific technique.

Correct!

The correct answer is: individual

Related Phrases

Related Words

anticisist

C1

To actively challenge, subvert, or dismantle cisnormative assumptions and institutional gender binaries. This verb describes the proactive process of advocating for gender-diverse perspectives by questioning established social norms.

intermovy

C1

The dynamic and reciprocal movement or exchange occurring between different groups, systems, or states. It specifically highlights the fluid transition and interplay of elements as they shift from one context to another.

exmarist

C1

A person who was formerly a member of the Marist Brothers or the Society of Mary, or a former student who attended a Marist educational institution. It refers to someone who maintains an identity or connection with the Marist tradition after leaving the formal organization.

unmanfy

C1

To deprive someone or something of traditionally masculine qualities, strength, or vigor. It is often used figuratively to describe the process of making a person or a concept appear weak, vulnerable, or less assertive than expected.

obvolvence

C1

The state or condition of being wrapped, enveloped, or enshrouded by a surrounding layer. It is used both literally in biological contexts to describe a covering and metaphorically to describe being obscured or hidden.

oblucation

C1

To render something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible, especially through the use of complex language or ambiguous details. It involves intentionally making a concept difficult to perceive or understand to hide the truth or avoid directness.

overprivine

C1

A formal noun referring to the state or condition of possessing excessive social or economic privilege, often to the point where it diminishes one's ability to empathize with others. It describes a structural or individual abundance of advantages that creates a disconnect from the realities of the less fortunate.

intrapaty

C1

Refers to activities, discussions, or conflicts occurring within a single political party rather than between different parties. It describes the internal dynamics, factionalism, or cohesion among members of the same political organization.

subvadful

C1

To subvadful means to perform a comprehensive and intensive verification of the fundamental layers of a system, argument, or physical structure. It implies a deep-dive analysis that goes beyond surface-level inspection to ensure that hidden foundations are entirely secure and functional.

dislegly

C1

A test-specific term used to describe something that is not permitted by law or established rules. It characterizes actions, behaviors, or documents that violate a formal code or legal standard within a controlled linguistic simulation.

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