individual
n. countablen. a single person, rather than a whole group. You use this word when you want to focus on one person as a separate member of society.
n. a single human being as distinct from a group, class, or family. Often used in formal or academic contexts to emphasize personal agency or specific identity within a larger population.
Each individual has the right to vote.
The scholarship is awarded to a talented individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to community service.
While the study focuses on broad social trends, it also acknowledges that every individual responds differently to economic pressure based on their personal history and resources.
PIE word *dwóh₁ From Medieval Latin indīviduālis, from Latin indīviduum (“an indivisible thing”), neuter of indīviduus (“indivisible, undivided”), from in + dīviduus (“divisible”), from dīvidō (“divide”).
Frequently used in legal, medical, or statistical contexts to replace the more general word 'person'.
The individuals in the room was quiet.The individuals in the room were quiet.Learners sometimes treat 'individual' as a collective noun like 'staff', but it is a standard countable noun that requires a plural verb.