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individu

individual

noun an-dee-vee-DÜ Less Common
People & Society Community

Origin: Latin 'individuus' (indivisible)

Also means

person (often suspicious)

Usage Note

Individu can be neutral ('an individual') but in everyday speech it often carries a slightly pejorative or suspicious tone — un individu louche is a shady character. The adjective individuel (individual, personal) is more neutral. The philosophical concept of l'individu vs. la société is a staple of French baccalauréat essays.

Examples

"Un individu inconnu a frappé à la porte."

Natural Translation

An unknown individual knocked at the door.

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