Each

Definition

Each is a determiner, pronoun, and adverb used to refer to every individual item or member in a group, treated one at a time. It emphasizes individuality within a collective context.

Parts of Speech

• Determiner
• Pronoun
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /itʃ/
• Respelling: EETCH

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /iːtʃ/
• Respelling: EETCH

Etymology

The word "each" originates from the Old English term "ælc," meaning "every, any, all." This term stems from Proto-Germanic "*alikaz," which also means "every" or "any." It has retained its meaning and basic form in English since its earliest uses.

Derivatives

• Each other (pronoun)
• Each-way (adjective/adverb)
• Eachwise (adverb - archaic)
• Eachness (noun)
• Each-time (adverb - archaic)

Synonyms

• Every
• All
• Individual

Antonyms

• None
• Altogether
• Collectively

Usage

The term "each" is commonly used to emphasize individuality within a group, as in "Each student received a certificate." It can serve as a determiner, pronoun, or adverb in various sentence structures, particularly when focusing on one member of a group at a time.

Related Terms

• Every: Refers to all members or items in a group individually.
• Any: Indicates one or more members of a group without specificity.
• Individual: Refers to single items or members within a group.

Detailed Definitions

Determiner

• Used before a singular noun to refer to every individual item or member of a group: Highlights individual members within a collective group.
  • Example: "Each child received a gift."

Pronoun

• Used to refer to every one of two or more people or things: Refers back to members of a group previously mentioned or implied.
  • Example: "The students were given a chance to speak, and each expressed their opinion."

Adverb

• For or to every one: Emphasizes that an action or attribute applies to every member of a group individually.
  • Example: "The tickets cost $10 each."