English Reference
preposition · pronoun

per

prep. · pron.
US /ˈpɝ/ UK /pˈɜː/ per

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    prep.for every one of something, like a person or a day.

    prep.for each; used to express a rate or ratio relative to a single unit.

    Simple

    The hotel room costs one hundred dollars per night.

    In context

    The data suggests that the average caloric intake per person has increased significantly across the region over the last decade.

    Usage

    Commonly used in rates like 'miles per hour' or 'dollars per day'.

    for eacha
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    prep.in a way that follows a rule, a plan, or a set of instructions.

    prep.in accordance with; following a specific standard, instruction, or previous agreement.

    Simple

    We completed the project per your instructions.

    In context

    The shipment was processed per the terms of the original contract, ensuring no additional tariffs were applied.

    Usage

    Often appears in the phrase 'as per'.

    according tofollowing
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    prep.through or by using a specific part of the body.

    prep.by means of; through the medium of. Often used with Latin anatomical terms in clinical contexts.

    Simple

    The doctor administered the medicine per rectum to ensure fast absorption.

    In context

    The patient was kept nil per os for twelve hours prior to the surgical procedure to prevent complications during anesthesia.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Informal

    pron.a word used to talk about a person without saying if they are male or female.

    pron.A neologistic gender-neutral third-person singular pronoun used as an alternative to 'he' or 'she'.

    Simple

    Per is coming to the party later tonight.

    In context

    The author chose to use per as a consistent gender-neutral pronoun throughout the experimental novel.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a rare neologism; most modern speakers use 'singular they' instead.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated