individuation

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​a·​tion ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-ˈwā-shən 

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

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Medical Definition

individuation

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​a·​tion -ˌvij-ə-ˈwā-shən 

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

-ˈvij-ə-ˌwāt 

transitive verb

individuated; individuating