individually

Individually is an English adverb meaning in a separate or single manner; one at a time; with respect to each person or thing rather than as part of a group. It is used to emphasize that actions, qualities, or evaluations apply to each item or person separately rather than collectively.

Etymology and form: the word derives from the adjective individual, which in turn comes from Latin individualis, based on indivisus, meaning undivided. The suffix -ly turns the adjective into an adverb.

Usage and scope: individually is commonly used in instructions, descriptions, and analyses to indicate treatment or consideration on a per-item or per-person basis. It can modify verbs, adjectives, or noun phrases, and it often appears after the main verb or at the end of a sentence for emphasis. For example, “The items were priced individually,” “Participants were screened individually,” or “Each component was tested individually.”

Grammatical notes: individually complements the verb and does not imply any particular number beyond singular treatment of each element. It contrasts with collectively or as a group, and it may appear with phrases like “each,” “per item,” or “one by one.”

Related concepts: closely related terms include individual (as a noun or adjective), individuality, and individualism. In data and research contexts, “individually” can indicate analysis of single observations rather than aggregated results.

See also: collectively, individually tailored, per item.