/ ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
[ only before noun ] (often used after each ) considered separately rather than as part of a group :
We interviewed each individual member of the community.
The minister refused to comment on individual cases.
2.
[ only before noun ] connected with one person; designed for one person :
respect for individual freedom
an individual pizza
3.
(usually approving ) typical of one particular person or thing in a way that is different from others
SYN distinctive :
a highly individual style of dress
■ noun
1.
a person considered separately rather than as part of a group :
The competition is open to both teams and individuals.
Treatment depends on the individual involved.
donations from private individuals (= ordinary people rather than companies, etc.)
2.
a person who is original and very different from others :
She's grown into quite an individual.
3.
( informal , usually disapproving ) a person of a particular type, especially a strange one :
an odd-looking individual
So this individual came up and demanded money.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense indivisible ): from medieval Latin individualis , from Latin individuus , from in- not + dividuus divisible (from dividere to divide).