Individual Meaning
Individual Definition & Usage
A single person or thing, distinct from others.
Examples
- "Each individual has unique talents and abilities."
- "The store offers individual attention to every customer."
- "In this study, we focus on the behavior of individual animals."
- "She is a very strong individual, always standing up for herself."
- "The individual responsible for the error has been identified."
A person considered separately from others, especially when emphasizing personal rights or identity.
Examples
- "He values individual freedom above all else."
- "The government must protect the rights of the individual."
- "In a society that values individuality, people are encouraged to express themselves."
- "Each individual has the right to privacy."
- "The laws are designed to ensure individual liberty and justice."
Relating to or characteristic of a single person or thing, as opposed to a group.
Examples
- "We had to address individual concerns during the meeting."
- "Each individual case is treated with care and attention."
- "The individual needs of the students were considered in the planning process."
- "She gave individual guidance to all of her employees."
- "The individual components of the machine must be assembled carefully."
Cultural Context
The word 'individual' has evolved over centuries, initially referring to something indivisible, from the Latin 'individuus'. It became more closely associated with personal identity and autonomy in philosophical and political contexts, particularly during the Enlightenment.
The Unlikely Hero
Story
The Unlikely Hero
In the small town of Brooksville, everyone knew everyone else's business. It was a close-knit community, where everyone looked out for each other—except for Emily. Emily was different. Not in a bad way, but in a way that made people notice. She valued her individuality. She didn’t like to follow the usual paths everyone else took. While most kids her age joined clubs and followed the crowd, Emily spent her free time volunteering at the local library, reading books, and listening to music that was considered a little 'out there' by her peers. One day, the town’s mayor, Mr. Greenfield, announced that a new park would be built in Brooksville. The town council had been debating the project for months, and they needed a new design. He asked for a volunteer to create a proposal. Emily, despite being shy and not one to typically step into the spotlight, decided to submit her own design. Her proposal was different—there were no cookie-cutter play structures, no typical walking paths. She imagined a park where the trees would be arranged in an organic pattern, where every individual could find their own space, whether they were looking for a quiet corner to read or a place to gather with friends. When Emily’s design was revealed at the town meeting, people were skeptical. Some thought it was too unusual, too individualistic for the town’s conservative tastes. But Emily stood firm, explaining how her design would give every individual in Brooksville the space to express themselves. She argued that a park should not just be a space to play but a place to embrace one's individuality. Over time, the town began to see the value in Emily’s design. The park was built, and it became an instant hit. It turned into a place where children, parents, and elderly people alike found peace in their own ways. The park allowed each individual to experience it differently, and it soon became a symbol of what Emily had always valued—freedom to be oneself. Years later, the park was still standing, and so was Emily’s reputation. She had proven that one individual, standing firm in their beliefs, could change an entire community.
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