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

He said the leaders of all other Holyrood parties would be invited individually to talks from next week - except for Reform.

From BBC • May 9, 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

Many of the deaths and disappearances were first covered individually, sometimes with a conspiratorial bent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

A slender, courtly man, with a pencil mustache, he took a genuine interest in my welfare and future, preaching the value and importance of education — for me individually and for Africans in general.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• alone
• independently
• personally