Individuals vs. Individual: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
"Individuals" is the plural form of "individual" referring to multiple people or things while, "Individual" refers to a single person or thing.
Difference Between Individuals and Individual
In the realm of English language, both "individuals" and "individual" refer to separate entities or people, but their usage is contingent on the context. "Individuals" is employed when we refer to more than one person or thing. For instance, a statement like "There are several individuals in the room" is an indication that there are multiple persons present.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
"Individual", on the other hand, is singular and pertains to one unique person or thing. So, if someone says, "That individual is responsible for the task", they are pointing out a specific person. The emphasis here is on singularity, highlighting the uniqueness or distinctiveness of that one entity.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Further diving into semantics, "individuals" can be used in contexts where the focus is on the characteristics shared by a group, yet each member possesses a unique trait or perspective. Consider the sentence: "The individuals in the choir have unique voices, but together they create a harmonious melody." Here, the word "individuals" signifies multiple members of a group, but each having a distinctive quality.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Contrastingly, "individual" is often employed to underline the autonomy or independence of a single entity. For instance, "Every individual has the right to freedom of speech." Here, the emphasis is on the right of each singular person, emphasizing their autonomy.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
In essence, while "individuals" and "individual" both touch upon the concept of distinct entities, the former is plural, used for many, and the latter is singular, reserved for one.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Individuals vs. Individual Comparison Chart
Example usage
"All individuals must register by Friday."
"The individual must present an ID."
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Sep 26, 2023
In-group distinction
Can highlight unique traits within a group
Highlights the trait of one specific entity
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
Emphasis
On a collective group with separate entities
On one unique or autonomous entity
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Sep 26, 2023
Individuals vs. Individual Definitions
◉Individuals
Separate persons in a group.
The workshop attracted many talented individuals.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Individual
A single person distinct from others.
The individual responsible has been identified.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Individuals
Multiple distinct organisms in biology.
The forest is home to countless individuals from various species.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
◉Individual
An item separate from its group.
That individual book is the most expensive in the collection.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Individuals
Entities considered separately from a collective.
Among the items, some individuals stood out due to their rarity.
Levi
Sep 26, 2023
◉Individual
Referring to a single organism in biology.
This species is hard to identify by just looking at an individual.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Individuals
Distinct members in a larger entity.
The committee consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
William
Sep 26, 2023
◉Individual
Of or relating to an individual, especially a single human
individual consciousness.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individuals
Of or relating to an individual, especially a single human
individual consciousness.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
Existing as a distinct entity; separate
individual drops of rain.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individuals
Existing as a distinct entity; separate
individual drops of rain.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
Marked by or expressing individuality; distinctive or individualistic
an individual way of dressing.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individuals
Marked by or expressing individuality; distinctive or individualistic
an individual way of dressing.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
Special; particular
Each variety of melon has its individual flavor and texture.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individuals
Special; particular
Each variety of melon has its individual flavor and texture.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
Serving to identify or set apart
"There was nothing individual about him except a deep scar ... across his right cheek" (Rebecca West).
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May 03, 2023
◉Individuals
Serving to identify or set apart
"There was nothing individual about him except a deep scar ... across his right cheek" (Rebecca West).
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
A single human considered apart from a society or community
the rights of the individual.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individuals
A single human considered apart from a society or community
the rights of the individual.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
A human regarded as a distinctive or unique personality
always treated her clients as individuals.
felt he was quite an individual.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individuals
A human regarded as a distinctive or unique personality
always treated her clients as individuals.
felt he was quite an individual.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Individual
A single organism as distinguished from a species, community, or group.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individuals
A single organism as distinguished from a species, community, or group.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
A person considered alone, rather than as belonging to a group of people.
He is an unusual individual.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
(legal) A single physical human being as a legal subject, as opposed to a legal person such as a corporation.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individuals
Several separate elements in a collection.
The puzzle contains several unique individuals that form the complete picture.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
◉Individual
An object, be it a thing or an agent, as contrasted to a class.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
Relating to a single person or thing as opposed to more than one.
As we can't print them all together, the individual pages will have to be printed one by one.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
Intended for a single person as opposed to more than one person.
individual personal pension; individual cream cakes
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
Not divided, or not to be divided; existing as one entity, or distinct being or object; single; one; as, an individual man, animal, or city.
Mind has a being of its own, distinct from that of all other things, and is pure, unmingled, individual substance.
United as one individual soul.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
Of or pertaining to one only; peculiar to, or characteristic of, a single person or thing; distinctive; as, individual traits of character; individual exertions; individual peculiarities.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
A single person, animal, or thing of any kind; a thing or being incapable of separation or division, without losing its identity; especially, a human being; a person.
An object which is in the strict and primary sense one, and can not be logically divided, is called an individual.
That individuals die, his will ordains.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
An independent, or partially independent, zooid of a compound animal.
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
being or characteristic of a single thing or person;
individual drops of rain
please mark the individual pages
they went their individual ways
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
separate and distinct from others of the same kind;
mark the individual pages
on a case-by-case basis
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
characteristic of or meant for a single person or thing;
an individual serving
separate rooms
single occupancy
a single bed
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
concerning one person exclusively;
we all have individual cars
each room has a private bath
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May 03, 2023
◉Individual
A single unit or item.
Each individual piece was crafted with precision.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Individual
A unique, autonomous entity.
Every individual has their own dreams and aspirations.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Individuals vs. Individual Frequently Asked Questions
How does one decide when to use "individuals" vs. "individual"?
If referring to more than one entity, use "individuals"; for a single entity, use "individual".
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
What's the primary distinction between "individuals" and "individual"?
"Individuals" is plural, referring to multiple entities, whereas "individual" is singular, denoting one entity.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can "individual" emphasize uniqueness?
Yes, "individual" can emphasize the unique characteristics or autonomy of a single entity.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
Can "individuals" be used to describe items, not just people?
Yes, "individuals" can refer to separate items or entities in a collection.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Is "individual" always related to humans?
No, "individual" can refer to any single entity, be it a person, an item, or an organism.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can you use "individual" for inanimate objects?
Yes, "individual" can refer to a single, specific item or unit.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
How is "individual" used in a legal context?
In legal terms, an "individual" often refers to a single person as opposed to an organization or group.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
Does "individuals" always indicate a group with similar characteristics?
No, "individuals" can be a diverse group with different characteristics.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
Do "individuals" always have something in common?
Not necessarily, "individuals" simply refers to multiple entities, regardless of shared traits.
William
Sep 26, 2023
Why is it important to differentiate between "individuals" and "individual"?
It helps in accurately conveying whether you're referring to one or more entities, ensuring clarity in communication.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
