Individually: meaning, definitions and examples

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individually

 

[ ˌɪn.dɪˈvɪdʒ.u.ə.li ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

acting separately or independently

Done by one person at a time. Separate from others. Without being influenced by others.

Synonyms

independently, separately, singly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
individually

Redundant entry. See above for the correct context.

separately

Used when things are done or occur apart from each other, not together, often emphasizing physical or functional distance.

  • The two departments operate separately.
  • They arrived at the event separately.
independently

Applied when something is done without outside help or influence, often highlighting self-reliance or autonomy.

  • He managed to solve the problem independently.
  • Living independently means taking care of all responsibilities on your own.
singly

Applied when referring to doing something one at a time or alone, often to emphasize a methodical approach.

  • She tackled each task singly.
  • He interviewed the candidates singly.

Examples of usage

  • They were asked to complete the task individually.
  • Each student must work on the assignment individually.
  • She wanted to speak to each of them individually before making a decision.
Context #2 | Adjective

relating to a single person

Of, relating to, or meant for one person. Designed for individual use or possession.

Synonyms

personal, private, single.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
individually

Used when referring to separate items or people one at a time, emphasizing singularity in a collective context.

  • The students had to complete the assignments individually.
  • Each member was interviewed individually.
personal

Used when talking about something that belongs to or concerns an individual, often related to private or intimate aspects.

  • He shared some personal information with the group.
  • Keep your personal belongings safe.
private

Used when referring to something that is not meant to be shared with others, often related to confidential or very personal matters.

  • She has a private journal where she notes her thoughts.
  • This is a private conversation.
single

Used when referring to one, as opposed to more than one, or an individual item/person that is alone or not part of a pair/group.

  • He bought a single ticket for the concert.
  • She has been single for three years.

Examples of usage

  • The hotel rooms were equipped with individually controlled air conditioning.
  • She received individual attention from the teacher.

Translations

Translations of the word "individually" in other languages:

🇵🇹 individualmente

🇮🇳 व्यक्तिगत रूप से

🇩🇪 einzeln

🇮🇩 secara individu

🇺🇦 індивідуально

🇵🇱 indywidualnie

🇯🇵 個別に

🇫🇷 individuellement

🇪🇸 individualmente

🇹🇷 bireysel olarak

🇰🇷 개별적으로

🇸🇦 على حدة

🇨🇿 individuálně

🇸🇰 individuálne

🇨🇳 单独地

🇸🇮 posamezno

🇮🇸 einstaklingsbundið

🇰🇿 жеке-жеке

🇬🇪 პირადად

🇦🇿 fərdi olaraq

🇲🇽 individualmente

Etymology

The word 'individually' is derived from the Latin word 'individuus', which means 'indivisible'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of individuality and independence has been valued throughout history, leading to the use of this word to emphasize separate or independent actions.

See also: individualism, individualist, individuality, individualization, individualize, individualizer, individualizing, individuals.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,258 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.