one by one

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one by one

The children entered the classroom one by one.

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.
one by one

The children entered the classroom one by one.

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

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