individually
Americanadverb
-
one at a time; separately.
The delegates were introduced individually.
-
personally.
Each of us is individually responsible.
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in an individual or personally unique manner.
Her interpretation was individually conceived.
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He has already climbed each one individually alongside his dad Daniel Thomas and the pair have embarked on an 18-week training programme in preparation for the challenge on 18 August.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
Two identical particles such as electrons cannot be individually labeled if all their quantum properties match.
From Science Daily • May 9, 2026
Authorities had repeatedly searched the backyards of homes owned individually by the parents of Paul Flores.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
Asked about his views on Elliott’s statements, Tamura declined to comment on any specific investor, saying that the company treats shareholders fairly and engages with them individually to incorporate their views into the company’s thinking.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
The ascent to the Moon landing was predicated on the belief that each cell in the body of the space program was both individually superb and seamlessly connected to the cells around it.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
