item
English meaning: Item
Definition
A distinct physical object.
Example
“Tweezers are great for manipulating small items.”
Another example: “Ever since the party, those two have been an item.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A very common, neutral noun for a single distinct thing or unit — in a list, on a menu, in a budget, or in inventory ('news item', 'agenda item', 'an item of clothing'). Informally, 'an item' can also mean a romantic couple. Neutral register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'item' (likewise, also), used to introduce each new entry in a list; adopted as a noun in English in the 16th century.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- news item
- agenda item
- line item
- item of clothing
- household items
- collector's item
Word Forms
item (n); items (pl); itemize (v)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B