Per item Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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per item

[ˈiːtəm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in shopping

Each separate article or object in a group or collection.

Synonyms

article, object, piece.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
article	Usually refers to a particular object or a distinct item, often used in legal or formal contexts. Can also refer to a piece of writing in journalism. The antique shop had many rare articles. He wrote an article for the local newspaper.
object	Refers to anything that is tangible and visible, especially something physical and inanimate. He pointed to a strange object in the sky. The museum displayed ancient objects from Egypt.
piece	Used to refer to a portion of something or a single item from a collection or a set. Often used to emphasize part of a whole. I need a piece of paper to write on. She bought a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Word

Description / Examples

article

Usually refers to a particular object or a distinct item, often used in legal or formal contexts. Can also refer to a piece of writing in journalism.

The antique shop had many rare articles.
He wrote an article for the local newspaper.

object

Refers to anything that is tangible and visible, especially something physical and inanimate.

He pointed to a strange object in the sky.
The museum displayed ancient objects from Egypt.

piece

Used to refer to a portion of something or a single item from a collection or a set. Often used to emphasize part of a whole.

I need a piece of paper to write on.
She bought a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Examples of usage

There was a price tag on each item.
She carefully examined each item on the menu before deciding what to order.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in accounting

A single entry in an account.

Synonyms

entry, record, transaction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
per item	Used when specifying something on a per-unit basis, often in pricing or instructions. The cost is $5 per item. Please ensure you follow the guideline per item in the checklist.
entry	Used when referring to an individual piece of information added to a record or database, or when discussing participation in a competition. Each entry in the database must be unique. Her entry into the contest was carefully prepared.
record	Used when describing a collection of related data, events, or facts. Often associated with official documents or organized information. The medical record shows the patient's history. The company keeps a detailed record of all transactions.
transaction	Used specifically in financial or business contexts to describe an exchange or transfer of goods, services, or money. The transaction was completed successfully. Each transaction is recorded for accounting purposes.

Examples of usage

He recorded each item separately in the ledger.
The accountant reviewed each item in the balance sheet for accuracy.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

in listing

To list or mention individually.

Synonyms

detail, list, mention.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
list	A collection of items, names, or things, usually written down. It's often used when you want to enumerate or organize things. I need to buy a lot of things; let me make a list. Here's the list of attendees.
mention	To briefly talk about or refer to something or someone. It's often used when you want to acknowledge something without going into detail. She didn't mention her trip. I forgot to mention the meeting.
detail	Focus on specific features or information about something; often used in descriptions or explanations. She provided every detail of the event. Can you give me more detail about the project?

Word

Description / Examples

list

A collection of items, names, or things, usually written down. It's often used when you want to enumerate or organize things.

I need to buy a lot of things; let me make a list.
Here's the list of attendees.

mention

To briefly talk about or refer to something or someone. It's often used when you want to acknowledge something without going into detail.

She didn't mention her trip.
I forgot to mention the meeting.

detail

Focus on specific features or information about something; often used in descriptions or explanations.

She provided every detail of the event.
Can you give me more detail about the project?

Examples of usage

She proceeded to itemize each expense on the report.
The inventory manager needs to item each product in the warehouse.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Economics

In retail, the 'per item' pricing strategy helps consumers understand costs better and encourages buying in bulk.
Businesses often use 'per item' calculations to determine profit margins and decide which products to promote.
Sales promotions frequently highlight 'per item' cost to attract budget-conscious shoppers, making items appear more affordable.

Cultural Significance

'Per item' pricing is common in markets worldwide, reflecting cultural attitudes towards consumption and value.
In some cultures, buying items 'per item' is preferred to negotiating for bulk prices, emphasizing clarity in transactions.
The phrase also appears in charitable contexts, where donations are measured 'per item' like food drives or clothing donations.

Technology

Online shopping platforms frequently display costs 'per item', enhancing user experience with clear product pricing.
In software development, 'per item' can refer to unit testing practices where each component is assessed individually.
Data analysis often utilizes 'per item' metrics to improve inventory management and forecasting accuracy.

Origin of 'per item'

Main points about word origin

The phrase 'per item' comes from the Latin word 'per', meaning 'through' or 'by', combined with 'item', which means 'a single unit'.
The use of 'per' in commerce dates back centuries, showing trade practices where items were sold individually.
The term has evolved in modern usage from a simple count to indicators of pricing and inventory in business.

The word 'item' originated from the Latin word 'item', meaning 'also' or 'likewise'. It was originally used in English to introduce each article in a list. Over time, the meaning expanded to refer to individual objects or entries in various contexts such as shopping, accounting, and listing.