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per

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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

See per defined for English-language learners

See per defined for kids

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Using per as a Preposition

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 in a Sentence

  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 and Etymology of per

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

per Synonyms

Synonyms
in, by, through, via, with
2

per

adverb

Definition of per

:for each :apiece
  • a bargain at $3.50 per

Examples of per in a Sentence

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

First Known Use of per

1899

per Synonyms

Synonyms
all, each, apiece, per capita
Related Words
apart, discretely, independently, individually, respectively, separately, singly
Near Antonyms
aggregately, altogether, collectively, together
3

per

abbreviation

Definition of per

1 period
2 person

per-

prefix

Definition of per-

1 :throughout :thoroughly
  • peruse
2 a :containing the largest possible or a relatively large proportion of a (specified) chemical element
  • perchloroethylene
b :containing an element in its highest or a high oxidation state
  • perchloric acid

Origin and Etymology of per-

Latin, through, throughout, thoroughly, detrimental to, from per

Phrases Related to PER

Related Phrases

PER Defined for English Language Learners

per

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preposition

Definition of per for English Language Learners

  • : for each

  • : as directed by or stated in

PER Defined for Kids

per

play
preposition \ ˈpər \

Definition of per for Students

1 :to or for each
  • It cost us ten dollars per day.
2 :as directed by
  • Construction was done per instructions.

Medical Dictionary

per

play
preposition \ ˈpər \

medical Definition of per

:by the means or agency of :by way of :through
  • enter through the mouth lining and per the bloodstream to the stomach
  • —Sydney (Australia) Bulletin
  • blood per rectum
— see per os

per

abbreviation

medical Definition of per

1 period; periodic
2 person

Law Dictionary

per

play
preposition \ ˈpər \

legal Definition of per

:as stated by —used to indicate the author of an opinion with which the majority of judges concur

Learn More about per

  1. See words that rhyme with per Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for per Spanish Central: Translation of per Nglish: Translation of per for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of per for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

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  1. dotage, dotard a state or period of senile decay

  2. otherwise "in other respects"

  3. federalism Graham says bill gives power to states

  4. bodega "Don’t mess with the beloved bodega."

  5. carceral Of, relating to, or suggesting a jail or prison

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Usage guide: Using per as a Preposition
Examples: per in a Sentence