What is the Difference Between Person and Individual?

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The terms "person" and "individual" are often used interchangeably, but they carry different connotations. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Person: A person is a human being that thinks and walks. The term "person" focuses on the human and social aspects, as people are social beings who live and communicate with others, sharing feelings and experiences. A person knows themselves and thinks about themselves as a social being.
  • Individual: An individual is a person in a crowd having unique characteristics. The term "individual" emphasizes uniqueness and distinctiveness, as each person has their own unique properties or characteristics. An individual is used to convey the sense of unrestrained personal properties or characteristics that separate one person from another.

In summary, while both terms refer to a human being, "person" tends to focus on the human and social aspects, while "individual" emphasizes uniqueness and distinctiveness.

Comparative Table: Person vs Individual

The terms "person" and "individual" are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences. Here is a table illustrating the differences between the two terms:

Term Meaning Usage
Person A human being, regardless of age, gender, or background. It can also refer to a character or persona in a fictional context. In everyday language, "person" is commonly used to refer to a human being. It can also be used in a legal context to refer to a human being or other entity, such as a corporation or organization.
Individual A single, distinct entity, which can refer to a human being, animal, or object. It emphasizes the unique qualities or characteristics of the subject. "Individual" is often used to stress the distinctiveness or uniqueness of a subject. It can also be used to refer to a member of a group or a separate entity within a larger whole.

While both terms can be used to describe a human being, "person" is more commonly used in everyday language and legal contexts, while "individual" emphasizes the unique qualities or characteristics of the subject.