individually
/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəli/ (ame, ipa) · /-ˈvijəlē, -j(ə)wəlē, -li/ (ame, mw)
individually — adverb
1. done one at a time, with each person or thing handled on its own rather than tog
done one at a time, with each person or thing handled on its own rather than together with others
Inês wrapped each present individually and wrote a different name on every tag.
adverb after direct object: wrapped presents individually
Charlotte met with each team member individually to hear their thoughts on the project.
collocation: meet with + individually
Ilan checked every item on the list individually before signing the delivery form.
Kwame stacked the cardboard sheets individually, placing a sheet of paper between each layer.
- separately
broader term; can refer to physical distance or distinct treatment
- singly
more technical or formal; less common in everyday speech
- one by one
more concrete and informal; pictures a sequence
- together
opposite of 'one at a time'
- collectively
opposite of handling separately
用法筆記
This sense focuses on the method or manner of an action — doing things one by one. The adverb typically appears after the direct object or at the end of the clause. It is the most frequent use of 'individually'.
常見錯誤
2. in a way that reflects a person's own unique style or ideas, often in a creative
in a way that reflects a person's own unique style or ideas, often in a creative or imaginative manner, rather than following a standard pattern
Joon designs his furniture individually, mixing Asian and Scandinavian styles in unexpected ways.
adverb describing a creative method
When Dewi performs, she interprets each role individually rather than following the usual acting style.
contrast structure: rather than + gerund
Romi decorates each room individually, creating a distinct personality for every space.
Each cooking challenge Isabela faces is approached individually, with new combinations invented on the spot.
- uniquely
more direct; emphasises one-of-a-kind quality
- distinctively
emphasises being noticeably different from others
- originally
emphasises inventiveness and independent thinking
- conventionally
following standard or traditional patterns
- uniformly
in the same way, without variation
用法筆記
This sense is used mostly in discussions of creative work, personal style, or artistic expression. It is not interchangeable with sense 1 ('one at a time') — saying 'the gifts were wrapped individually' cannot mean 'wrapped in a unique style'.
常見錯誤
3. treating or considering each person or thing as a separate unit with their own p
treating or considering each person or thing as a separate unit with their own particular needs or qualities, rather than as part of a larger group
Hari believes that patients should be treated individually rather than as a set of symptoms.
contrast: individually rather than [collective]
Eshe addressed each student individually, using their name and asking about their specific progress.
Rather than holding group information sessions, the social worker visits each family individually.
Christopher assesses each employee individually, adjusting the review questions to match their role.
- personally
stronger focus on personal attention and care
- respectively
pairs items in order; more formal and technical
- each in turn
more descriptive phrase; emphasises sequential attention
- collectively
as a group, not as separate individuals
- as a whole
considering the entire group rather than its members
- en masse
formal; all together as one body
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 ('separately'): sense 1 describes the manner of an action (doing things one by one), while sense 3 describes the perspective (viewing or treating each as a distinct individual with unique needs). Common in discussions of education, healthcare, customer service, and human resources.