individuate

[ in-duh-vij-oo-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·di·vid·u·at·ed, in·di·vid·u·at·ing.

1. to form into an individual or distinct entity.
2. to give an individual or distinctive character to; individualize.

verb (used without object)

, in·di·vid·u·at·ed, in·di·vid·u·at·ing.

1. to make distinctions:

   to individuate among one's students.

2. to become individualized or distinctive:

   With maturity, the artist individuated.

individuate

/ ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. to give individuality or an individual form to
2. to distinguish from others of the same species or group; individualize

Derived Forms

• ˌindiˈviduˌator, noun

Other Words From

• indi·vidu·ator noun
• unin·di·vidu·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of individuate¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Medieval Latin indīviduātus, past participle of indīviduāre “to make individual”; individual, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

It is only through our ignorance and subjectivity that things appear distinct and individuate.

From Project Gutenberg

What is the nearest approach to certainty among the attempts successfully to individuate the ancient relater of Mirabilia Rom?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• analyze
• categorize
• characterize
• determine
• differentiate
• discriminate
• divide
• figure out
• identify
• know
• qualify
• recognize
• separate