Which BEST defines 'individual' in a general vocabulary context?

• A. a group of people sharing a common characteristic
• B. a single human being
• C. an object used for measurement
• D. a collective noun for animals

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is the meaning of individual as a single, distinct person. In general vocabulary, an individual refers to one member of a group, emphasizing uniqueness and separateness from others. This is why it best matches a single human being rather than a set of people, a tool or object, or a term for a group. A group of people sharing a characteristic describes a collective or demographic, not one person. An object used for measurement is a tool, not a person. And a collective noun for animals refers to the group as a whole, not to one member. So the most accurate definition in everyday use is a single human being.