Unit vs. Each — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 25, 2023
"Unit" refers to a single, complete standard of measure, or component, whereas "Each" is used to describe individual items in a group or collection.
Difference Between Unit and Each
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Unit" and "Each" serve distinct purposes within language and measurement contexts. The term "Unit" primarily refers to a single, whole standard of measure, or component, often within a larger system or collection. It is used to quantify or designate a singular element within a set, and it plays a crucial role in various fields such as mathematics, science, and economics, providing a standard for measuring and comparing different entities or quantities. The use of "Unit" helps in establishing uniformity and accuracy, ensuring that measurements and evaluations are consistent and reliable across different applications and domains.
Conversely, "Each" is a term used to refer to every one of two or more people or things, considered individually. It is a way of specifying or emphasizing individual items within a group or collection, highlighting the singular nature of the components in a collective entity. "Each" is commonly used to denote separate items or elements in various contexts, allowing for the acknowledgment of individuality within a set or series. The usage of "Each" provides precision and clarity, ensuring that the singular nature of items or components is recognized and addressed appropriately.
The concept of "Unit" is often associated with standardization and measurement, being a fundamental element in quantifying and evaluating different entities or values. It is a representation of a fixed magnitude or quantity, providing a basis for comparison and calculation. "Unit" allows for the systematic and orderly arrangement of components, facilitating the organization and analysis of various elements within a system or structure.
In contrast, "Each" is associated with individuality and singularity, emphasizing the separate and distinct nature of items within a group. It is a means of identifying and addressing individual elements within a collection, allowing for the consideration and examination of components on a singular basis. "Each" enables the recognition and appreciation of the unique characteristics and properties of items within a set, fostering a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the components in a collective entity.
In summary, while "Unit" denotes a single standard or component within a system, providing a basis for measurement and evaluation, "Each" emphasizes the individual items in a group or collection, allowing for the acknowledgment and consideration of the singular nature of the components.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A single, complete standard of measure or component
Every one of two or more people or things, considered individually
Context of Use
Measurement, quantification, standardization
Specification of individual items in a group or collection
Application
Mathematics, science, economics
Various contexts to denote separate items or elements
Nature
Represents a fixed magnitude or quantity
Emphasizes the separate and distinct nature of items
Function
Provides a basis for comparison and calculation
Allows consideration and examination of components on a singular basis
Compare with Definitions
Unit
A single quantity regarded as a whole in calculation.
He measured the amount of rice per unit to ensure precision.
Each
Used to refer to every one of a specified group.
He gave each of the attendees a handout.
Unit
An individual thing or person regarded as single and complete.
The family unit is considered the fundamental component of society.
Each
Every one of two or more considered individually or one by one.
Each student must submit their assignment by Friday.
Unit
A subdivision of an educational or training course, typically representing a single subject.
The math course is divided into several units, each focusing on a different topic.
Each
Every individual in a number of people or things.
They were allowed two suitcases each.
Unit
An individual, group, structure, or other entity regarded as an elementary structural or functional constituent of a whole.
Each
Referring to two or more things, considered individually.
The fruits, each distinct in color and shape, were displayed in a basket.
Unit
A group regarded as a distinct entity within a larger group.
Each
Indicating a total sum apportioned to each person or thing mentioned.
They sold several items, earning a few dollars each.
Unit
A mechanical part or module.
Each
Being one of two or more considered individually; every
Each person cast a vote. My technique improved with each lesson.
Unit
An entire apparatus or the equipment that performs a specific function.
Each
For or to each one; apiece
Ten cents each.
Unit
A precisely specified quantity in terms of which the magnitudes of other quantities of the same kind can be stated.
Each
All; every; qualifying a singular noun, indicating all examples of the thing so named seen as individual or separate items (compare every).
Make sure you wash each bowl well.
The sun comes up each morning and sets each night.
Unit
(Medicine) The quantity of a vaccine, serum, drug, or other agent necessary to produce a specific effect.
Each
For one; apiece; per.
The apples cost 50 cents each.
Unit
A fixed amount of scholastic study used as a basis for calculating academic credits, usually measured in hours of classroom instruction or laboratory work.
Each
Every one/thing individually or one by one.
I'm going to give each of you a chance to win.
From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.
Unit
A section of an academic course focusing on a selected theme
A unit on Native Americans.
Each
An individual item: the least quantitative unit in a grouping.
Unit
The number immediately to the left of the decimal point in the Arabic numeral system.
Each
Every one of the two or more individuals composing a number of objects, considered separately from the rest. It is used either with or without a following noun; as, each of you or each one of you.
It is a bad thing that men should hate each other; but it is far worse that they should contract the habit of cutting one another's throats without hatred.
Let eachHis adamantine coat gird well.
In each cheek appears a pretty dimple.
Then draw we nearer day by day,Each to his brethren, all to God.
The oak and the elm have each a distinct character.
Unit
The lowest positive whole number; one.
Each
Every; - sometimes used interchangeably with every.
I know each lane and every alley green.
In short each man's happiness depends upon himself.
Unit
An element of a ring with a multiplicative inverse.
Each
(used of count nouns) every one considered individually;
Each person is mortal
Each party is welcome
Unit
(mathematics) Oneness, singularity, seen as a component of a whole number; a magnitude of one.
Each
To or from every one of two or more (considered individually);
They received $10 each
Unit
(sciences) A standard measure of a quantity.
The centimetre is a unit of length.
Unit
The number one.
Unit
Ellipsis of international unit
This pill provides 500 units of Vitamin E.
Unit
An organized group comprising people and/or equipment.
He was a member of a special police unit.
Unit
A member of a military organization.
The fifth tank brigade moved in with 20 units. (i.e., 20 tanks)
Unit
(commerce) An item which may be sold singly.
We shipped nearly twice as many units this month as last month.
Unit
Any piece of equipment, such as an appliance, power tool, stereo system, computer, tractor, or machinery.
This air-conditioner is the most efficient unit we sell.
Unit
A measure of housing equivalent to the living quarters of one household; an apartment where a group of apartments is contained in one or more multi-storied buildings or a group of dwellings is in one or more single storey buildings, usually arranged around a driveway.
The new apartment complex will have 50 units.
Unit
Any military element whose structure is prescribed by competent authority, such as a table of organization and equipment; specifically, part of an organization.
Unit
An organization title of a subdivision of a group in a task force.
Unit
A standard or basic quantity into which an item of supply is divided, issued, or detailed. In this meaning, also called unit of issue.
Unit
With regard to Reserve Components of the Armed Forces, denotes a Selected Reserve unit organized, equipped, and trained for mobilization to serve on active duty as a unit or to augment or be augmented by another unit. Headquarters and support functions without wartime missions are not considered units.
Unit
(algebra) The identity element, neutral element.
Unit
(algebra) An element having an inverse, an invertible element; an associate of the unity.
Regular element
Unit
(category theory) In an adjunction, a natural transformation from the identity functor of the domain of the left adjoint functor to the composition of the right adjoint functor with the left adjoint functor.
Unit
(geology) A volume of rock or ice of identifiable origin and age range that is defined by the distinctive and dominant, easily mapped and recognizable petrographic, lithologic or paleontologic features (facies) that characterize it.
Unit
(UK) A unit of alcohol.
Unit
One kilowatt-hour (as recorded on an electricity meter).
Unit
(historical) A gold coin of the reign of James I, worth twenty shillings.
Unit
A work unit.
Unit
A physically large person.
Unit
A penis, especially a large one.
Unit
For each unit.
We have to keep our unit costs down if we want to make a profit.
Unit
(mathematics) Having a size or magnitude of one.
Unit
A single thing or person.
Unit
The least whole number; one.
Units are the integral parts of any large number.
Unit
A gold coin of the reign of James I., of the value of twenty shillings.
Unit
Any determinate amount or quantity (as of length, time, heat, value) adopted as a standard of measurement for other amounts or quantities of the same kind.
Unit
A single thing, as a magnitude or number, regarded as an undivided whole.
Unit
Any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange;
The dollar is the United States unit of currency
A unit of wheat is a bushel
Change per unit volume
Unit
An individual or group or structure or other entity regarded as a structural or functional constituent of a whole;
The reduced the number of units and installations
The word is a basic linguistic unit
Unit
An organization regarded as part of a larger social group;
The coach said the offensive unit did a good job
After the battle the soldier had trouble rejoining his unit
Unit
A single undivided whole;
An idea is not a unit that can be moved from one brain to another
Unit
A single undivided natural thing occurring in the composition of something else;
Units of nucleic acids
Unit
An assemblage of parts that is regarded as a single entity;
How big is that part compared to the whole?
The team is a unit
Unit
A distinct component of a system, typically for a specific function.
The computer system is composed of several different units.
Unit
A standard quantity used to express measurements.
The unit of length in the metric system is the meter.
Common Curiosities
Is Unit specific to mathematical contexts?
While often used in mathematical contexts, "unit" is versatile and can be used in various fields and situations to denote a single, complete standard or component.
Is a Unit always a standard measure?
Often, but not always; "unit" can also refer to a component or element of a system or structure.
Does Each refer only to people?
No, "each" can refer to any individual items, entities, or persons considered individually in a set or group.
Does Each imply that items are identical?
No, "each" refers to individual items within a group or collection but does not imply that the items are identical.
Can the term Unit be used in economic contexts?
Yes, "unit" is used in economics to refer to a standard measure, such as a unit of product or service.
Can Each be used in the context of distribution?
Yes, "each" can be used to describe the distribution of items to individual members of a group.
Can a Unit refer to a person?
Yes, "unit" can refer to an individual person, especially in the context of a system or organization.
Can Each be used for a single item?
"Each" typically refers to individual items within a group, implying the presence of multiple items, but it might refer to one item in a set of two.
Does Unit always represent a fixed quantity?
Often, "unit" does represent a fixed, standard quantity, especially in measurement contexts, but it can also refer to individual components in other contexts.
Can Each be used to specify a sum apportioned to each person?
Yes, "each" can indicate a total sum apportioned to every individual person or item mentioned.
Is a Unit always a physical object?
No, a "unit" can be a measure, concept, or entity, not necessarily a physical object.
Can Each be used to denote individuality within a group?
Yes, "each" is used to emphasize the individual items or components in a group or collection.
Can the word Each refer to distinct items within a set?
Yes, "each" can refer to and emphasize the distinct or separate items within a set or group.
Is the concept of Unit essential for standardization?
Yes, the concept of "unit" is fundamental for establishing standardization in measurements and comparisons.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
