individualmente
Lemma: individualmente
Translation: individually; separately; on an individual basis; personally (adverb)
Etymology: Derived from the adjective 'individuale' (individual) + the adverbial suffix '-mente'. The root comes from Medieval Latin 'individualis', from Latin 'individuus' meaning 'indivisible', from 'in-' (not) + 'dividuus' (divisible). The English cognate 'individually' shares the same Latin origin, making this a relatively transparent word for English speakers.
Example Usage
Gli studenti saranno valutati individualmente.
The students will be evaluated individually.
Preferisco lavorare individualmente piuttosto che in gruppo.
I prefer to work individually rather than in a group.
Ogni caso deve essere considerato individualmente.
Each case must be considered individually.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'individual' + '-mente' (the common Italian adverb ending, like '-ly' in English)
- Remember that '-mente' in Italian works like '-ly' in English, so 'individualmente' directly corresponds to 'individually'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Used in both everyday and formal contexts in Italian. The concept of individuality is important in modern Italian society, though traditionally Italy has had a strong collective and family-oriented culture.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'individualmente' means 'individually' or 'separately', 'indivisibilmente' means 'indivisibly' or 'inseparably' - almost the opposite meaning despite the similar sound and appearance.
Notes: The prefix 'in-' in 'indivisibilmente' negates the idea of division, while in 'individualmente' it's part of the root 'individuo' (individual).
Mnemonic: 'Individualmente' has 'individual' in it (separate people), while 'indivisibilmente' has 'indivisible' (cannot be separated).