per

A student reads 50 pages per day.

Definition

1. Preposition:
   • For each; in each: Used to express a rate, proportion, or distribution. It indicates a unit of measurement or allocation applied to every single item in a group or over a period.
   • By means of; through; via: Used to indicate the agent, means, or method by which something is done or sent.
   • According to; as stated by: Used to indicate accordance with a specified standard, instruction, or person.

Examples of Usage

• Expressing a rate or distribution:

  • The car was traveling at 60 miles per hour. (A rate of speed)
  • The cost is $10 per person. (A cost for each individual)
  • He earns a salary per annum. (For each year)

• Indicating means or method:

  • The document was sent per express mail. (Via express mail)
  • Payment is to be made per the attached invoice. (According to the invoice)

• Indicating agency (formal/legal):

  • I am signing this letter per your instructions. (According to your instructions)
  • The goods were shipped per our agent. (By the action of our agent)

Advanced Usage

• "per se": By or in itself; intrinsically. Used to indicate that something is being considered in its essential nature, separate from external factors.

  • The strategy is not risky per se, but the timing is bad. (The strategy itself is not inherently risky)

• "as per": In accordance with; according to. Often used in formal or business contexts.

  • The project was completed as per the client's specifications. (In accordance with the client's specifications)

• "per capita": For each person; in relation to individuals taken one at a time. Used in statistical contexts.

  • The country's per capita income has risen. (The average income for each person)

Variants and Related Words

• Percent (%): Literally "per hundred"; a rate or proportion out of one hundred.

  • A five percent increase. (Five out of every hundred)

• Per diem: An allowance for daily expenses.

  • Employees receive a per diem for travel. (A daily monetary allowance)

Synonyms

• For each: For every, each.
• By: Via, through, by means of.
• According to: As per, in accordance with, pursuant to.

Related Phrases

• Per annum: For each year; annually.

  • The interest rate is 3% per annum.

• Per contra: On the contrary; as an offsetting factor. Used in formal argument or accounting.

  • The initial costs were high; per contra, the long-term savings are significant.

• Per procurationem (per pro, p.p.): By the agency of; on behalf of. Used when signing a letter on someone else's authority.

  • The secretary signed the letter per pro the manager.