individually
UK[ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəli]US[ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəli]
adv
separately, rather than as a group
adv
in a way that is unique or characteristic of a single person or thing
Morpheme Breakdown
in
divid
ually
in
not
divid
divide
ually
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'individually' originates from the medieval latin term 'individuus', which itself is formed from the latin prefix 'in-' (meaning "not") combined with 'dividuus' (meaning "divisible"). 'Dividuus' derives from the verb 'dividere', "to divide". thus, the literal sense is "that which cannot be divided". this concept evolved from a philosophical principle describing an indivisible entity, the atom or single unit, into the modern abstract meaning pertaining to a single, separate person or thing. the adverbial suffix '-ually' was later appended to form the word describing the manner of acting as a distinct, separate unit.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + divid (divide) + ually (adverb suffix)
- in: latin origin, a prefix meaning "not".
- divid: from latin dividere meaning "to divide, separate".
- ually: a complex adverbial suffix formed from -ual (relating to) + -ly (forming adverbs), ultimately from latin -alis and old english -lice.
Examples
the teacher spoke to each student individually.
the items are sold individually, not as a set.
the artist's works are individually crafted and signed.