each

UK: iːtʃ | US: iːtʃ

Definition

  1. adj. every one of two or more people or things, considered separately

  2. pron. every one of two or more people or things, considered separately

Structure
ea <originally meaning "ever, always" in Old English>ch <diminutive or adjectival suffix in Old English>
Etymology

The word "each" traces back to Old English ǣlc, a contraction of ā (meaning "ever, always") + ġelīc (meaning "alike, like"). Over time, ǣlc evolved into "each," retaining the sense of individuation—referring to every member of a group separately. The morpheme "ea" preserves the ancient idea of universality ("ever"), while "ch" reflects the adjectival suffix that solidified its grammatical role.

Examples

  1. Each student received a certificate.

  2. She held a basket in each hand.

  3. They cost $10 each.

  4. Each of the rooms has a unique design.

  5. We need to consider each option carefully.