Definition

Adverb 1. Individually and in sequence; singly, one after another: This describes actions or events that happen separately for each item or person in a group, following a specific order, usually one after the other.

Usage

The phrase "one by one" is used to emphasize that members of a group are dealt with individually and in succession, not all at once. It highlights a sequential, often careful or methodical, process.

Examples

• The teacher called the students' names one by one.
• Please answer the questions one by one, not all at once.
• The lights in the building went out one by one.
• He removed the old books from the shelf one by one.

Advanced Usage

• To take/do something one by one: To address items or tasks individually and in order.
  • We will solve these problems one by one.
• Coming/going one by one: Describing people or things arriving or leaving individually over a period.
  • The guests left the party one by one.

Variants and Related Words

• One at a time (adverbial phrase): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably.
  • Please come forward one at a time.
• Individually (adverb): Separately, one from another. (Can imply a focus on individual characteristics rather than just sequence).
• Singly (adverb): One at a time; individually. (More formal).
• In single file (adverbial phrase): Moving in one line, one behind the other.
  • The hikers walked in single file along the narrow path.

Synonyms

• Individually
• Singly
• Separately
• Sequentially
• Successively
• One at a time

Antonyms

• All at once
• Together
• Simultaneously
• Collectively
• En masse

Related Phrases

• Bit by bit: Gradually, in small stages.
  • She assembled the model bit by bit.
• Step by step: Proceeding gradually from one stage to the next.
  • Follow the instructions step by step.

Adverb

1. apart from others
   • taken individually, the rooms were, in fact, square
   • the fine points are treated singly
2. one piece at a time
   • she sold the plates by the piece
3. in single file
   • the prisoners came out one by one