each
each
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "each" is /iːtʃ/.
/iː/ - the long "ee" sound, as in "see"
/tʃ/ - the "ch" sound, as in "church"
Word Form Variations
The word "each" does not have typical singular, plural, or other word form variations like most nouns or verbs. It primarily functions as a determiner, pronoun, or adverb, and its form remains constant.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Determiner
Definition 1: Referring to every single person or thing in a group, considered individually.
Synonyms: every, individual, separate, apiece
Antonyms: all (as a collective), none
Pronoun
Definition 1: Every one of two or more people or things, considered separately.
Synonyms: individually, one by one, apiece
Antonyms: collectively, together
Adverb
Definition 1: To or for each person or thing; apiece. Often used after a number or quantity.
Synonyms: apiece, per, severally
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it describes distribution rather than an opposite action)
Examples of Use
Books:
"They waited, each with their own thoughts, for the inevitable dawn." (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
"Each chapter presents a different perspective on the historical events of the era." (From an academic history textbook, illustrating a structured approach)
Newspapers:
"The government has promised to allocate one million shillings to each county for infrastructure development." (From a local newspaper, describing a distribution of funds)
"Reporters from each major news outlet covered the press conference live." (From a national newspaper, indicating individual attention from multiple entities)
Online Publications:
"Browse our collection of handcrafted items, each piece unique and made with care." (From an e-commerce website product description, highlighting individuality)
"For each task you complete, you'll earn points that can be redeemed for rewards." (From an online learning platform, explaining a reward system)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Show Dialogue: "Each contestant will be given five minutes to present their idea to the judges." (From a reality competition show, outlining rules)
Song Lyrics: "Each day is a new beginning, a chance to start again." (From a contemporary pop song, expressing a hopeful sentiment)
Podcast: "In this episode, we'll delve into the motivations of each character in the classic novel." (From a literary analysis podcast, focusing on individual character studies)
Video Game: "Collect each artifact hidden throughout the ancient ruins to unlock the secret level." (From a video game objective, directing player actions)
Social Media Post: "So proud of my team! Each person gave their 100% tonight." (From a coach's post on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating individual effort)
General Public Discourse:
"Please take one cookie each." (A parent to children, distributing items)
"Each of us has a role to play in protecting the environment." (During a community meeting, emphasizing shared responsibility)
"They agreed to pay 50 dollars each for the concert tickets." (Among friends, discussing shared expenses)
10 Famous Quotes Using Each
"Each man must do his own searching and his own learning." (Bruce Lee)
"Each of us is a book waiting to be written, and each of us holds the pen." (Marcia Wieder)
"Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most." (Buddha)
"Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it." (George Orwell)
"Each time we face a fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing." (Theodore Roosevelt)
"Each day is a little life: every waking and rising a little birth, every fresh morning a little youth, every going to rest and sleep a little death." (Arthur Schopenhauer)
"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for each other." (An adaptation of John F. Kennedy's inaugural address)
"Each human being is a unique universe." (Carlos Ruiz Zafón)
"Each act of kindness makes the world a better place." (Unknown)
"Each failure is a step closer to success." (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "each" has a long history, going back to Old English, which was spoken before the 12th century.
It comes from the Old English word "ǣlc" (pronounced something like "ale-ch"). This Old English word was actually a shorter version of an even older term, "a-gelic," which roughly meant "ever alike."
Let's break that down:
"a-" meant "ever" or "always" (like in the old word "aye" meaning "yes, always").
"gelic" meant "alike" or "having the same form" (which is related to our modern word "like").
So, "each" originally carried the sense of "always alike" or "every one of a similar kind."
Its very first known use in English was before the 12th century, and it was used much like we use "every" or "all" today, to refer to any single item or person within a group, emphasizing their individual nature. Over time, "each" evolved to specifically highlight the individuality within a group, while "every" came to emphasize the collectiveness of the group.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Each
Each to their own: Everyone has their own preferences, and one should respect them.
Each and every: Emphasizing every single individual or item in a group.
Each time: Every instance or occasion that something happens.
Each other: Referring to two or more people or things that are doing something reciprocally.
To each his own: (An older, gendered version of "each to their own").
Each dog has its day: Everyone gets a chance to succeed or be fortunate at some point.
To give each other a hard time: To tease or annoy one another.
Each for all and all for each: A motto emphasizing mutual support and collective responsibility.
Each piece of the puzzle: Referring to individual components that contribute to a larger whole.
Each passing day: As time continues to go by.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of each from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
