individual
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 5Each 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.
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.
I need some individual time to just clear my head and relax.
I need some individual time to just clear my head and relax.
Antonyms
Word Family
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
Each individual piece of the puzzle is unique and fits in only one spot.
everydayEach individual piece of the puzzle is unique and fits in only one spot.
The court must protect the individual rights of every citizen regardless of their background.
formalThe court must protect the individual rights of every citizen regardless of their background.
I need some individual time to just clear my head and relax.
informalI need some individual time to just clear my head and relax.
Statistical analysis shows that individual variations in data can often be attributed to environmental factors.
academicStatistical analysis shows that individual variations in data can often be attributed to environmental factors.
Our company provides individual performance reviews to help employees identify their specific strengths.
businessOur company provides individual performance reviews to help employees identify their specific strengths.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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' 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.
'Separate' simply means not joined, while 'individual' implies a single instance that possesses its own unique characteristics.
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.
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
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 Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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intermovy
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exmarist
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unmanfy
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obvolvence
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overprivine
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intrapaty
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subvadful
C1To 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
C1A 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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