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Individual: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：unique (individual)
individual
/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/
adj./n.
unique or different from others, having its own special qualities.
unique
➕
/juːˈniːk/
adj./n.
Describes something or someone that has its own special qualities, making it different from others in a group.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'individuus' (indivisible), from 'in-' (not) + 'dividuus' (divisible). 'Dividuus' from 'dividere' (to divide).
💡 Mnemonic
'In-divid-ual' – imagine a 'divide' that cannot be split, symbolizing a unique person with unmatched qualities.
📖 Example
Each child has an individual learning style that suits them best.
Each child has a unique learning style that suits them best.
🔗 Collocations
individual differences – Unique variations among people in traits or abilities.
individual needs – Specific requirements of a single person.
individual approach – A method tailored to one person.
🔄 Synonyms
distinctive (adj.) – Having a quality that makes something different from others.
personalized (adj.) – Designed or tailored for a specific person.
singular (adj.) – Remarkably unique or exceptional.
🚫 Antonyms
common (adj.) – Occurring or shared by many.
collective (adj.) – Involving all members of a group.
general (adj.) – Not specific; applying to most cases.
🌱 Derivatives
individuality (n.) – The quality of being distinct or unique.
individualist (n.) – A person who values independence and self-reliance.
individually (adv.) – Separately or one by one.
📖 Cultural Story
Originally from Latin 'individuum' meaning 'indivisible thing'. Used in medieval philosophy to refer to a unique entity. In English, it evolved to mean a single human being distinct from the collective, central to ideas of human rights and personal identity.
Meaning 2：single person (individual)
individual
/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/
adj./n.
a single person, considered separately from the group or society.
single person
➕
/ˈsɪŋɡl ˈpɜːrsən/
adj./n.
A single human being considered separately from a group or society.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The gym offers programs tailored to the goals of each individual member.
The gym offers programs tailored to the goals of each single member.
🔗 Collocations
rights of the individual – Legal or moral entitlements belonging to each person.
individual member – A single person who belongs to a group.
individual's choice – A decision made by one person.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
group (n.) – A number of people or things together.
crowd (n.) – A large number of people gathered together.
collective (n.) – A group of individuals acting as one.
🌱 Derivatives
individualism (n.) – The practice of independence and self-reliance.
individualize (v.) – To make something personal or unique to one person.
individualistic (adj.) – Favoring independence and self-reliance.
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