Per Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpɛr/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Pronoun

Definition

A per is a person or thing existing in each or every unit, quantity, or measure, such as in “per hour,” “per kilogram,” or “per capita.”

Examples

1. “The bus costs $20 per person.”

2. ” She earns $50 per hour as a freelance writer.”

Synonyms

1. each

2. every

3. individual

Antonyms

1. none

2. few

3. occasional

Egyptian origin. The word is derived from the Greek word “peri,” meaning “around” or “each.” The term “per” is also related to the Latin word “per,” meaning “through” or “by.”

Usage Notes

The word “per” is commonly used in various contexts, including business, economics, and everyday language. It often appears in phrases such as “per diem,” “per capita,” “per hour,” and “per person.”

It is essential to use the correct form of “per” depending on the context, such as “per” for each or every unit, and “for each” or “for every” for quantities or measures.

It is also worth noting that the word “per” can be preceded by various types of measurements, such as price, time, weight, or volume, to indicate a rate or amount for each unit.

Cultural References

The word “per” has appeared in various forms of popular culture, including books, movies, and songs. In the novel “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” the phrase “per kilogram” is used as a measurement for the price of a towel. In the movie “The Social Network,” the word “per share” is used in a discussion about Facebook’s stock valuation.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” This phrase emphasizes that every action has a consequence.

2. “Per capita income.” This phrase refers to the average income of each person within a particular population or area.

Related Words or Phrases

1. Amount: Refers to a quantity or extent of something.

2. Measurement: A standard for determining size or quantity.

3. Rate: A measure of the frequency or intensity of something.

Collocations

1. per hour

2. per kilogram

3. per capita

4. per person

Frequency of Use

The word “per” is commonly used in modern language, particularly in the context of economics, business, and quantitative measurements.

According to various language resources and databases, the word “per” appears frequently in written and spoken communication, often with a wide range of meanings and applications.

Common Misspellings

1. Perx

2. Perrie