individual

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective 1 [onlybeforenoun] (often used after each) considered separately rather than as part of a group: We interviewed each individual member of the community. * The minister refused to comment on individual cases. 2 [onlybeforenoun] connected with one person; designed for one person: respect for individual freedom * an individual pizza 3 (usually approving) typical of one particular person or thing in a way that is different from others SYNORIGINAL: a highly individual style of dress noun 1 a person considered separately rather than as part of a group: The competition is open to both teams and individuals. * Treatment depends on the individual involved. * donations from private individuals (= ordinary people rather than companies, the government, etc.) * The school's reputation was ruined by the bad behaviour of a few individuals. * the rights of the individual 2 a person who is original and very different from others: She's grown into quite an individual. 3 (informal, usually disapproving) a person of a particular type, especially a strange one: an odd-looking individual * So this individual came up and demanded money.