individually

American  

[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-lee] / ˌɪn dəˈvɪdʒ u ə li /

adverb

1. one at a time; separately.

   The delegates were introduced individually.

2. personally.

   Each of us is individually responsible.

3. in an individual or personally unique manner.

   Her interpretation was individually conceived.

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Etymology

Origin of individually

First recorded in 1590–1600; individual + -ly

Explanation

Anything done individually happens one at a time, separate from others. In baseball, each player bats individually. An individual is a single person, or you can refer to an individual thing, which is one thing. Likewise, anything described as happening individually happens one by one or separately. An only child is raised individually. Doctors usually see patients individually, not in groups. If you're in a single-file line, you're lined up individually. Think of the number one when you see or hear the word individually.

Example Sentences

While the rule changes individually may not be radical, taken together, they mark an erosion of protections for beneficiaries choosing their medical plans, analysts said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

But I did overshare here recently about my Atomic Fireball habit, and while they’re usually individually wrapped, I found a packet with two the other day, so I doubled up.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

In one slide, the league argued that having 32 teams negotiate their own rights deals individually would result in further viewer confusion and higher costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

“But you can’t do that with the hair. You have to build them individually and then solder them in.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

A few matted hairs sprang apart and twinkled individually.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George

Related Words

• alone
• independently
• personally