word-for-word
word-for-word
UK[ˌwɜːd fə ˈwɜːd]US[ˌwɜːrd fər ˈwɜːrd]
adj
Using exactly the same words as the original; literal or verbatim.
adv
In a manner that translates or repeats each word individually and in the same order.
Morpheme Breakdown
word
for
word
word
for
in place of
word
Etymology
The compound 'word-for-word' is a modern English construction built entirely from native Germanic elements. It follows a simple, transparent formula where the preposition 'for' acts as a linking element, creating a one-to-one correspondence between the first and second instance of 'word'. This structure, emerging in Middle English, mimics the mathematical concept of equivalence, implying a direct substitution or matching of each individual unit. The logic is purely relational and arithmetic, evolving from the concrete idea of exchanging one item for another identical item to the abstract concept of precise, literal correspondence in language, translation, or reporting.
Analysis
Structure: word + for + word
- word: From Old English 'word', of Germanic origin. The core unit of language.
- for: From Old English 'for', of Germanic origin. A preposition meaning "in place of" or "in exchange for".
- word: From Old English 'word', of Germanic origin. The core unit of language.
Examples
She provided a word-for-word transcript of the conversation.
The legal document was translated word-for-word to avoid any ambiguity.
He repeated the instructions to me word-for-word.