individual definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

in·di·vid·u·al [ ìndə víjjoo əl ]

noun (plural in·di·vid·u·als)

Definition:

1. specific person: a specific person, distinct from others in a group

belief in the individual's right to self-expression

2. any person: a human being, or a person of a specified type

a panel consisting of four individuals

a very unfortunate individual

3. separate thing: a separate entity or thing

4. biology separate organism: an independent organism separate from a group

The plant part contains the embryo, which gives rise to a new individual.

adjective

Definition:

1. separable from others: singular and separable from others in a group or class

Each individual bead is hand-sewn.

2. of or for one person: belonging to, relating to, or intended for one person only

3. very distinctive: strikingly personal, unusual, or distinctive

[15th century. < medieval Latin individualis< Latin individuus "not divisible" < dividere "to divide"]

Word Usage


	individual or person? In formal general writing, use person, people, or another noun in instances where you mean "a human being or one of a specified type": The faculty has invited several people [not individuals] from neighboring universities to participate in the symposium.The main character is a unique person [not individual]. In specific professional spheres, especially law enforcement and the criminal justice system, individual meaning "human being or person" is regularly used, as in One individual is in custody, charged with armed robbery. Individual as a noun meaning "human being" is also acceptable when used in a context contrasting the person with a larger group: In a true democracy the worth of the individual is of paramount concern [i.e., the person as a single being is of prime importance as opposed to the masses]; He is a true individual [i.e., he has striking personal qualities that make him stand out among the rest].