per

¹per

preposition \ˈpər\

Definition of PER

1

: by the means or agency of : through <per bearer>

2

: with respect to every member of a specified group : for each

3

: according to —often used with as <per instructions> <as per usual>

Usage Discussion of PER

Per occurs most frequently in business contexts; its use outside such contexts is often criticized but is quite widespread, especially in sense 2. Its most common and natural nonbusiness uses always involve figures, usually in relation to price <$150 per performance>, automobiles <32 miles per gallon> <55 miles per hour>, or sports <averages 15 points and 9 rebounds per game>.

Examples of PER

1. The speed limit is 35 miles per hour.
2. The car gets 32 miles per gallon.
3. He averages 15 points per game.
4. Per your advice, I accepted their offer.

Origin of PER

Latin, through, by means of, by — more at for

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PER

Synonyms

in, by, through, via, with

Rhymes with PER

birr, blur, burr, Burr, chirr, churr, cur, curr, err, fir, for, fur, her, knur, murre, myrrh, purr, shirr, sir, skirr, slur, spur, stir, thir, whir, your

²per

adverb

Definition of PER

: for each : apiece <a bargain at $3.50 per>

Examples of PER

1. <you can have them at 50 cents per or three for $1.25>

First Known Use of PER

1899

Related to PER

Synonyms

all, each, apiece, per capita

Related Words

apart, discretely, independently, individually, respectively, separately, singly

Near Antonyms

aggregately, altogether, collectively, together

³per

abbreviation

Definition of PER

1

period

2

person