individual
[adjective]
Synonyms:
- personal, characteristic, distinctive, exclusive, idiosyncratic, own, particular, peculiar, singular, special, specific, unique
[noun]
Synonyms:
- person, being, character, creature, soul, unit

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Antonyms: common, popular, general
Contrasted words: generic, universal
Related Words: separate, single, sole

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. in‧di‧vid‧u‧al¹ S2 W1 AC /ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒuəl◂, ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl◂/ 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; ⇒ divide¹]

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 Synonym : distinctive:
a tennis player with a highly individual style
a very individual way of dressing

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. individual² S2 W1 AC 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

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

individual
noun
ADJ. outstanding, talented | key | powerful | creative | average, ordinary Their research shows that the average individual watches around three and a half hours of television per day.
private He was carrying out his functions as a trustee in the course of his business, rather than as a private individual.
single | particular, certain The motives influencing a particular individual may change from time to time.
autonomous, independent His philosophy is about becoming aware of oneself as an autonomous individual.
isolated Society does not consist of isolated individuals, but people in a network of relationships.
unique She saw the artist as a unique individual, possessing a heightened awareness of reality.
like-minded a group of like-minded individuals
named The book recommends that you sign ‘Yours sincerely’ if you are send
qualified We welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals.
human We know that all human individuals are unique.
VERB + INDIVIDUAL treat sb as The teacher should treat each pupil as an individual.
INDIVIDUAL + VERB vary Although individuals vary widely, the bones of the average female skeleton are smaller and lighter than the male.
INDIVIDUAL + NOUN level His writings are concerned with religious phenomena at the individual level.
PHRASES any/no/one individual No single individual had done so much for the development of the motor vehicle.
concern for the individual, the freedom of the individual the issue of the freedom of the individual versus the intervention of the state
a group of individuals She had taken a group of individuals and made them into a superb team. | the individual concerned It's up to the individual concerned to contact the police.
the needs of the individual Each course has to be tailored to the needs of the individual.
respect for the individual, vary from individual to individual Eating habits are bound to vary from individual to individual.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

individual

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.
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.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲