individual
UK[ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl]US[ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒuəl]
adj
considered separately rather than as part of a group; single or distinct.
adj
characteristic of a particular person or thing.
n
a single human being or item, distinct from a group.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
divid
ual
in
divid
ual
Etymology
the word "individual" originates from the medieval latin term individuus, meaning "indivisible". this was formed from the latin prefix in- ("not") and the root dividuus ("divisible"), itself derived from dividere ("to divide"). the core logic is that something "individual" is that which cannot be divided further without losing its identity—an indivisible unit. over time, this literal sense of "indivisible" evolved to describe a single, distinct entity, particularly a person, separate from a collective. the semantic shift highlights the concept of a person as a fundamental, inseparable unit of society.
Analysis
Structure: in + divid + ual
- in (latin prefix): a negative or privative prefix meaning "not".
- divid (latin root): from the verb dividere, meaning "to divide, to separate".
- ual (latin suffix): an adjectival suffix meaning "pertaining to, relating to".
Examples
each individual leaf on the tree has a unique pattern.
she has a very individual style of painting that is easily recognizable.
the rights of the individual must be balanced with the needs of the community.