case-by-case

The compound 'case-by-case' is a modern English formation built entirely from native Germanic and Latinate elements. The core noun 'case', derived from Latin 'casus' (a fall, occurrence), entered English via Old French, evolving to signify a particular instance or set of circumstances. The preposition 'by', of Old English origin, is used here to denote a sequential, relational process. The reduplication of 'case' around 'by' creates a distributive and iterative idiom, literally meaning "instance by instance." This construction logically emphasizes a methodical, individualized approach, rejecting blanket rules in favor of examining each unique event or situation on its own merits.

Structure: case + by + case - case (from Old French 'cas', from Latin 'casus' meaning "a fall, chance, event, occurrence"; functions as a noun meaning an instance or situation) - by (from Old English 'bī', 'big' meaning "near, in, by, during"; functions as a preposition indicating a relationship or method) - case (same as above; functions as a noun meaning an instance or situation)