per
16 synonyms and 0 antonyms for per, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Prep — For each; used to express a rate or ratio between two quantities.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use per
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin per, meaning "through" or "by means of" — the same root that gives us "percent" (per + centum, "by the hundred").
Full origin of per →Frequently asked questions
What does “per” mean?
The word “per” means for each; used to express a rate or ratio between two quantities. In plain terms, a small connector word meaning "for each" (as in "per hour") or "according to" (as in "per your email").
How do you pronounce “per”?
“Per” is pronounced pur (/pɝ/ in IPA).
How do you use “per” in a sentence?
Here is “per” used in a sentence: “The car does about forty miles per gallon.”
What is another word for “per”?
Words with a similar meaning to “per” include p, p., /, ⅌, an and a.
What part of speech is “per”?
Depending on how it is used, “per” can be a preposition and a pronoun.
Where does the word “per” come from?
The word “per” comes from Latin. From Latin per, meaning "through" or "by means of" — the same root that gives us "percent" (per + centum, "by the hundred").
Is “per” a common word?
“Per” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “per” have?
“Per” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: for each; used to express a rate or ratio between two quantities.
What does 'per' mean in phrases like 'miles per hour'?
In 'miles per hour,' 'per' means 'for each,' so it is the number of miles travelled for each single hour. It expresses a rate or ratio between two quantities. The same pattern appears in 'cost per unit,' 'words per minute,' and 'price per kilo,' always linking an amount to each unit of something.
What is the difference between 'per' and 'as per'?
'Per' expresses a rate, as in '£5 per ticket.' 'As per' is a separate phrase meaning 'in accordance with,' as in 'as per your request.' Although common in business writing, 'as per' is often seen as wordy, so plain 'per' or 'according to' is usually clearer.
Is it correct to say 'per each'?
No, 'per each' is redundant because 'per' already means 'for each.' Say '£2 per item' or '£2 each,' but not '£2 per each item.' Choose one word or the other. 'Per' suits rates and technical contexts, while 'each' feels more natural in everyday speech.
What is an example of 'per' in a sentence?
'The car travels sixty miles per gallon of fuel.' Here 'per' links two quantities, miles and gallons, to show a rate. Everyday examples include 'three meals per day,' 'twenty pounds per person,' and 'sixty seconds per minute,' each expressing how much of one thing matches each unit of another.