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Per Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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per

[pɜː(r)tʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

finance

A metric unit of area equivalent to a square rod, or 30.25 square yards

Synonyms

pole, rod.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
per

This word is used to express a rate or ratio, indicating the division of something by a certain amount. It is commonly used in formal and technical contexts, especially in measurements and statistics.

  • The car can travel 30 miles per gallon of gasoline.
  • Please complete this task as per the instructions given.
rod

A rod is a straight, slender stick or bar, often used for fishing or as a tool in various professions. It can also carry a figurative meaning, sometimes with a negative connotation.

  • He caught a big fish using his fishing rod.
  • Spare the rod and spoil the child.
pole

This word is used to denote a long, slender, cylindrical object, often used for support, measurement, or in recreational activities. It can also refer to the geographical poles of the Earth.

  • He used a pole to vault over the bar.
  • Santa Claus is believed to live at the North Pole.

Examples of usage

  • The land was measured in perches.
  • The price was quoted per perch.
Context #2 | Noun

bird

A branch or rod, typically horizontal, from which a bird's cage is hung.

Synonyms

branch, roost.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
roost

Use 'roost' when referring to a place where birds settle or congregate to rest or sleep. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a resting place for people, often with a quaint or rural connotation.

  • At dusk, the chickens return to their roost.
  • After a long day of travel, we found a humble inn to roost for the night.
branch

Use 'branch' when referring to a limb of a tree or a subdivision of an organization or system.

  • The squirrel jumped from one branch to another.
  • Our company opened a new branch in the downtown area.

Examples of usage

  • The canary chirped happily on its perch.
  • She placed a new toy on the bird's perch.
Context #3 | Verb

sit or rest on a perch

To sit or rest on a raised horizontal bar.

Synonyms

roost, sit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sit

A general term used to describe the action of resting with the body supported by the buttocks, typically used for people or animals. It is very versatile and can be used in countless everyday situations.

  • Please sit down and make yourself comfortable.
  • The cat likes to sit on the windowsill and watch the birds.
roost

Commonly used to describe a place where birds, especially chickens, rest or sleep. It often has a connotation of a more permanent or habitual resting place.

  • The chickens returned to the roost as the sun set.
  • As darkness fell, the birds settled onto their roosts in the trees.

Examples of usage

  • The owl perched on the branch.
  • The cat perched on the windowsill.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'per'

The word 'perch' has a long history, tracing back to Middle English and Old French. It originally referred to a pole or rod, and over time, it gained various meanings related to measurement and birds. The verb form of 'perch' comes from the image of birds perching on a branch. Today, 'perch' is commonly used in finance to refer to a unit of area.

See also: perch, peril, perish.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #84, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.