individual
gb/ˌɪndɪvˈɪd͡ʒuəl/ us/ˌɪndɪvˈɪd͡ʒuəl/
B1
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A single separate person
One person, seen by themselves and not as part of a group.
Usage pattern:
[an/the] individual
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'individual' with 'person' in all contexts; 'individual' is often more formal or used to stress separateness.
Synonyms
person (More general; does not emphasize separateness from a group.)
Antonyms
group (Refers to a collection rather than one single person.)
Collocations
each individual
|an individual person
|protect the rights of the individual
|an individual case
Themes
society
|identity
|daily life
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Each individual has the right to express their opinion.
- The law protects the rights of the individual.
- She treats every individual with respect.
- No two individuals are exactly alike.
Learner examples
- Each individual is different.
- This rule is for every individual.
- An individual can make a big change.
- We must help each individual in need.
adjective
B2
property
2
Relating to one person or thing separately
About or for one person or thing, not a group.
Usage pattern:
[individual] [item/need/task]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'personal' instead of 'individual' when referring to something meant for one person in a neutral sense.
Synonyms
personal (Often refers to private matters; 'individual' is more neutral and formal.)
Antonyms
collective (Relates to a group rather than one person or thing.)
Collocations
individual needs
|individual attention
|individual rights
|individual tasks
Themes
daily life
|organization
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The teacher gave individual attention to each student.
- We must consider the individual needs of our clients.
- Each athlete has an individual training plan.
- These rooms can be booked for individual use.
Learner examples
- I like your individual style.
- We have different individual goals.
- He needs individual help with his work.
- She has her own individual plan.
Noun
B2
entity
3
A single organism of a species
One animal or plant, seen alone and not as part of a group.
Usage pattern:
[an/the] individual
Synonyms
organism (Scientific term for a living thing; less common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
population (Refers to all members of a species in an area, not just one.)
Collocations
an individual animal
|an individual plant
|identify an individual
Themes
biology
|nature
|animals
Examples
- Each individual in the herd has a unique pattern of markings.
- Scientists tracked one individual over several years.
- The disease affects each individual differently.
Learner examples
- This zoo has one special individual.
- An individual bird can fly far.
- We saw an individual fish in the tank.
Grammar
Dictionary form
individual
IPA
GB/ˌɪndɪvˈɪd͡ʒuəl/
US/ˌɪndɪvˈɪd͡ʒuəl/
Syllables & stress
in - di - vidu - al (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (vidu)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: individual
Noun
- Base: individual
- Plural: individuals
Word family
Forms
individuals
noun
Core family
individually
adverb B1
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
collective
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
individualism
noun C1
Expressions
as an individual
1/ˈæz ən ˌɪndɪvˈɪd͡ʒuəl/
fixed phrase
In the role of a single person
Thinking about someone as one person, not part of a group.
Examples
- As an individual, you have certain rights and responsibilities.
- She succeeded as an individual, not just as part of a team.
individual attention
1/ˌɪndɪvˈɪd͡ʒuəl ətˈɛnʃən/
fixed phrase
Special focus on one person at a time
When someone gives help or care to only one person at a time.
Examples
- The teacher gave the struggling student some individual attention.
- Patients receive individual attention from their assigned nurse.
individual rights
1/ˌɪndɪvˈɪd͡ʒuəl ɹˈaɪts/
fixed phrase
Rights for each separate person
The freedoms and protections that each person has by law.
Examples
- Freedom of speech is one of our most important individual rights.
- The constitution guarantees certain individual rights.