Individuals Meaning and Definition
Individuals
Pronunciation
/ɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A unique and distinct person or entity with their own characteristics, experiences, and perspectives.
Examples
- The individuals in the team worked together to achieve the goal.
- Each individual has their own strengths and weaknesses.
Synonyms
- Person
- Entity
Antonyms
- Group
- Mass
Additional Information
Individuals can be defined by their unique characteristics, such as their personality, skills, and experiences. They can also be identified by their distinct roles or positions within a group or society. Moreover, individuals can have their own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that shape their behavior and actions.
In social sciences, individuals are often studied to understand their behavior, interactions, and relationships with others. This can help in developing theories and models that explain human behavior and social phenomena.
Etymology
The word “individuals” comes from the Latin words “individuus,” meaning ” indivisible,” and “s,” indicating plurality. The term has been in use since the 15th century to describe separate and distinct entities.
Usage Notes
The term “individuals” is often used in formal and informal contexts to refer to people or entities with unique characteristics. However, it can also be used in more abstract senses to describe distinct units or components of a larger system.
Cultural References
The concept of individuals has been explored in various forms of art, literature, and music throughout history. For example, the novel “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger explores the struggles of an individual in a conformist society.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Individualism
- Individualistic
Related Words or Phrases
- Personality
- Identity
Collocations
- unique individual
- distinct individual
Frequency of Use
The term “individuals” is commonly used in everyday language, with a frequency of use of around 0.05% in written texts.