Individual Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
individual
[ษชndษชหvษชdสสษl ]
Definitions
person
A single human being, as opposed to a group.
Synonyms
human being, individual person, person.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| individual |
This word is often used to emphasize someone's distinctness or independence. It is commonly found in formal or professional settings.
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| person |
This is a general term applicable in most situations where referring to a human, often used in everyday language and informal settings.
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| individual person |
This phrase is not commonly used and can sound redundant. When it is used, it emphasizes the personal identity or characteristics of someone.
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| human being |
Used to underscore the humanity, emotions, and moral aspects of a person. This term often appears in contexts that deal with ethics, rights, or the shared human experience.
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Examples of usage
- Each individual is unique in their own way.
- The company values each individual employee's contribution.
characteristic
Relating to a single person or thing, as opposed to a group or class.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| individual |
Use when referring to a single person or thing, especially to emphasize their separate existence or identity.
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| unique |
Ideal for describing something that is one of a kind or unlike anything else.
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| distinct |
Best used when describing something that is clearly different or separate from others.
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| personal |
Appropriate when referring to something that relates to a specific personโs private or intimate aspects.
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Examples of usage
- She has her own individual style.
- Each student is encouraged to develop their individual talents.
specificity
Designed for or belonging to one particular person or thing.
Synonyms
customized, personalized, tailored.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| individual |
Used to describe a single person, item, or entity as unique or distinct. It's often used in formal or neutral settings.
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| personalized |
Describes something made or done to match someone's individual preferences or needs. Commonly used in marketing, service industries, and self-improvement.
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| customized |
Refers to something that has been modified or created to meet particular specifications or needs. Often used in business, marketing, or tech contexts.
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| tailored |
Covers items or services specifically designed to fit particular requirements or needs. Often used in fashion, consulting, and services.
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Examples of usage
- The hotel offers individual room temperature controls.
- Each employee has their individual login credentials.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, individuality is celebrated during festivals or events that honor personal achievements.
- The concept of individual rights became prominent during the Enlightenment, shaping modern democracy.
Psychology
- The study of individual differences helps psychologists understand personality, intelligence, and behavior.
- Carl Jung emphasized the importance of individual development, introducing concepts like individuation, where a person integrates different aspects of the self.
Literature
- Many novels explore the conflict between individuality and societal expectations, such as 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger.
- Poets often celebrate the individual spirit; Walt Whitman's 'Song of Myself' is a famous example of this theme.
Pop Culture
- The idea of the 'individual' is central in many music genres, especially in rock and pop, where self-expression is key.
- Movies like 'Dead Poets Society' emphasize the importance of being an individual and thinking independently.
Origin of 'individual'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'individuus', meaning 'indivisible', emphasizing uniqueness.
- It entered the English language in the late 1300s, illustrating the growing appreciation for personal identity during that period.
The word 'individual' originated from the Medieval Latin word 'individualis', which means 'indivisible'. It entered the English language in the 15th century. The concept of individuality has been a central theme in philosophy and psychology, emphasizing the unique characteristics and identity of each person. The term has evolved to encompass not only a single person but also the idea of distinctiveness and personalization in various contexts.