individuation

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​a·​tion ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce individuation (audio)
1
: the act or process of individuating: such as
a(1)
: the development of the individual from the universal
(2)
: the determination of the individual in the general
b
: the process by which individuals in society become differentiated from one another
c
psychology : the process in the analytical psychology of Carl Gustav Jung by which the self is formed by integrating elements of the conscious and unconscious mind
d
embryology : regional differentiation along a primary embryonic axis
2
: the state of being individuated
specifically : individuality

Examples of individuation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Shame is then a natural part of individuation as well as a by-product of our cultural backgrounds and upbringings. Melissa Petro, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024 Modern storytelling has different priorities: interiority, reflexivity, individuation, and so forth. Nan Z. Da, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2024 There is a surprising amount of individuation to be conjured from this tight handful of ingredients. Tim Carman, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 But though redheads’ breadth is something new, the iconic color is not—and the mane shade has always been worthy of attention and individuation. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for individuation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'individuation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of individuation was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near individuation

Cite this Entry

“Individuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individuation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

individuation

noun
in·​di·​vid·​u·​a·​tion -ˌvij-ə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce individuation (audio)
1
: the process in the analytical psychology of C. G. Jung by which the self is formed by integrating elements of the conscious and unconscious mind
2
: regional differentiation along a primary embryonic axis
individuate transitive verb
individuated; individuating

More from Merriam-Webster on individuation

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