by the piece
Definition
Adverb - Individually, one unit at a time: This phrase describes a method of selling, counting, or dealing with items as single, separate units rather than as a group or by a different measure (like weight or volume).
Usage
This adverb is used to specify that a transaction or action applies to individual items. - It is commonly used in commercial or retail contexts to describe pricing or sales methods. - It often follows verbs like sell, buy, pay, or count.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- Economic/Historical Context: The phrase is historically associated with the "piecework" system in manufacturing, where workers' wages are based on the number of items they produce.
- In the 19th century, many garment factory workers were compensated by the piece.
Variants and Related Words
- Piecework (n): Work paid for according to the number of units turned out.
- The factory shifted from hourly wages to piecework.
- Piece rate (n): The rate of pay for each unit produced.
- The new piece rate made workers more productive.
Synonyms
- Individually
- Singly
- Per item
- Unit by unit
Antonyms
- In bulk
- Wholesale
- By the lot
- As a set
Related Phrases
- By the dozen/by the hundred: Sold or counted in groups of twelve or one hundred.
- It's cheaper to buy nails by the hundred.
- Piece by piece: Gradually, one part at a time (often used for processes rather than transactions).
- She assembled the model piece by piece.
Adverb
-
one piece at a time
-
she sold the plates by the piece
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