I. in ‧ di ‧ vid ‧ u ‧ al 1 S2 W1 AC /ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒuəl◂, ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl◂/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ individual , ↑ individuality ; adjective : ↑ individual , ↑ individualized ; verb : ↑ individualize ; adverb : ↑ individually ]
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Medieval Latin ; Origin: individualis , from Latin individuus 'undividable' , from dividere ; ⇨ ↑ divide 1 ]
1 . [only before noun] considered separately from other people or things in the same group:
Each individual leaf on the tree is different.
the needs of the individual customer
2 . [only before noun] belonging to or intended for one person rather than a group:
Children get more individual attention in small classes.
You can have the bathroom designed to suit your individual needs.
individual portions of jam
3 . an individual style, way of doing things etc is different from anyone else’s – usually used to show approval SYN distinctive :
a tennis player with a highly individual style
a very individual way of dressing
II. individual 2 S2 W1 AC BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ individual , ↑ individuality ; adjective : ↑ individual , ↑ individualized ; verb : ↑ individualize ; adverb : ↑ individually ]
1 . a person, considered separately from the rest of the group or society that they live in:
the rights of the individual
Each individual receives two genes, one inherited from each parent.
Most churches were built with donations from private individuals (=ordinary people, rather than the government or companies) .
2 . a person of a particular kind, especially one who is unusual in some way:
a strange-looking individual
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 2)
■ adjectives
▪ an ordinary individual
Ordinary individuals need no more than 3–5 grams of salt per day.
▪ a talented/gifted individual
He had taken a group of talented individuals and built a superb team.
▪ an outstanding individual (=with unusually good qualities)
We need a few outstanding individuals to act as leaders.
▪ a private individual (=a person, not a company or business)
Few shares in the company are owned by private individuals.
▪ a particular individual
The writer is addressing a general reader rather than a particular individual.
▪ a single individual (=one person on their own)
Equipment of this kind is not something a single individual could afford.
▪ a wealthy individual (=a wealthy person)
Large ranches are often owned by corporations or wealthy individuals.
▪ selected individuals (=ones who are specially chosen for something)
Selected individuals were invited to the dinner.
▪ isolated individuals (=one on their own, not in a group with others)
Society does not consist of isolated individuals.
▪ like-minded individuals (=people who share the same opinions)
The message board is a forum where like-minded individuals can communicate.
■ phrases
▪ treat somebody as an individual
Each student must be treated as an individual.
▪ a group of individuals
We need to perform as a team rather than a group of individuals.
▪ the needs of the individual
The fitness program is adapted to the needs of the individual.
▪ the rights of the individual
The rights of the individual must be protected.
▪ freedom of the individual
We live in a society which prizes the freedom of the individual.
▪ respect for the individual
The policies are based on respect for the individual.
▪ individuals vary (=everyone is different)
Individuals vary in their ability to adapt to change.