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

Like de Mille, Brown individuates the ensemble with detail: This guy is extra flamboyant; that gal pops her gum bubbles on the beat.

From New York Times

The Jonas Brothers in 2023 offer cool adult-contemporary sounds for an audience that grew up with them, similarly navigating the life that emerges once you begin to individuate, become intimate and start families.

From Los Angeles Times

He must have spent months working on this painting, which includes more than 60 individuated figures and a controlled delirium of distinctive patterns.

From Washington Post

Each dancer moves with intriguing, individuating specificity: this one shaking, that one twitching sinuously or twisting like the head of a sprinkler.

From New York Times

But at varying points, each tries to individuate themselves from their father, and much of the suspense lies in how Rupert schemes to draw them back under his influence.

From Washington Post

Related Words

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