individual - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
individual Word Meanings
- a single person or thing
- someone considered separately from a group
- a unique or distinct entity
individual Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
individual Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/
US
/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/
individual Word Etymology
Individu- = not divisible, dualis = twice; Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a person standing alone, emphasizing their uniqueness, distinct from the crowd.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I pick up a single coin and set it apart on the tray, a quiet pause in the stream of metal. I tilt my hand and push it forward past the others, feeling the grip shift as the coin answers my touch. That small action makes one thing stand out as different, like an individual in a crowd.
Real Context
An individual is a single entity, distinct from a group, and the word is often used when you want to highlight a person or thing as a separate unit rather than as part of a collective. In everyday English, individual can refer to a person, a thing, or even a data item that stands on its own. It carries a nuance of identity or uniqueness, which is helpful in discussions about diversity, decision-making, or research samples. When comparing, we say 'each individual' or 'every individual' to emphasize separateness. Beware that 'individual' is a noun here, not a synonym for 'person' in every context; 'person' can be more general and warmer.
Usage Reminders
- Noun usage only; do not use as a verb.
- Use 'an individual' to stress a single person or unit.
- Plural is 'individuals' for more than one unit.
- In formal writing, 'individual' highlights identity or unit of analysis.
- Avoid replacing with 'person' in contexts where separateness matters.
- Note the pronunciation and stress on -di-vi- dual.
Common Misconceptions
- individual is always the same as 'person' in everyday speech
- plural 'individuals' should be used for a crowd when you mean many people
- it can describe a group member rather than a single unit
- it is an adjective in this sense
- it replaces 'data point' or 'item' in non-analytical contexts
Thinking Differences
English tends to treat individual as a precise unit within a set, useful for data work and policy writing; learners often mix it with person in everyday speech, or forget that individuals is plural for multiple units.
Learning Tips
- Use real-world samples to identify an individual as a single unit.
- Create 6 example sentences with 'individual' in different contexts.
- Distinguish between 'individual' vs 'person' in formality and nuance.
- Practice with 'each' and 'every' to emphasize separateness.
- Check plural: 'individuals' for multiple units.
- Record your pronunciation and stress on the second syllable.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'individual'?
A.Animal
B.Mineral
C.Plant
D.Person
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'individual' used correctly?
A.The individual is a musical instrument.
B.The individual is a group of people.
C.The individual sings loudly.
D.The individual is a type of food.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following words is most similar to 'individual'?
A.Collective
B.Group
C.Together
D.Many
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'individual'?
A.Community
B.Collaborative
C.Together
D.Team
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you use the word 'individual'?
A.Describing a unique person in a crowd
B.Referring to a type of fruit
C.Talking about a large organization
D.Discussing a popular trend
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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