per diem
3 synonyms for per diem, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A fixed daily allowance paid to cover meals, accommodation and incidental costs while travelling for work.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
daily allowance
subsistence allowance
expenses
How to use per diem
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
per diem rate
per diem allowance
claim a per diem
per diem employee
Business and HR usage; the 'per diem nurse' sense is chiefly American.
Etymology
Latin, literally 'by the day', from per 'by' and diem, accusative of dies 'day'.
Full origin of per diem →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a per diem and reimbursement?
A per diem is a flat daily sum paid regardless of what you actually spend, so you keep any difference and cover any overspend yourself. Reimbursement pays back your real, receipted costs, so it matches spending exactly but requires paperwork.
Is per diem taxable?
It depends on the country and whether the rate stays within the official allowance. Amounts at or below the government-set rate are usually not treated as taxable income, while anything above it typically is. Check your local tax authority's published rates.
What is a per diem nurse?
In American healthcare it is a nurse who works shift by shift as needed rather than on a fixed schedule. They are usually paid a higher hourly rate in exchange for having no guaranteed hours and often no benefits.
