Item Meaning
Item Definition & Usage
A distinct individual object, element, or article, typically part of a list or collection.
Examples
- "I need to buy a few more items for the party tonight."
- "She checked the list to make sure every item was packed for the trip."
- "The store had several items on sale this week."
- "Please remove all unnecessary items from the desk before the meeting."
- "Can you add that item to the shopping cart?"
A unit of merchandise or a product offered for sale.
Examples
- "The store offers a wide variety of items for every season."
- "Each item on the menu is carefully priced for profitability."
- "The new catalog contains several high-end items that customers will love."
- "She was in charge of stocking the shelves with new items every week."
- "The company plans to introduce several new items in the next quarter."
A specific point or provision in a formal list or document, such as a contract or a will.
Examples
- "The lawyer reviewed every item in the will to ensure there were no discrepancies."
- "Please refer to item number four in the contract for further details."
- "The meeting agenda listed several important items to discuss."
- "Item seven of the agreement outlines the payment schedule."
- "Each item on the checklist must be completed before the project deadline."
A person or thing considered as a unit or component in a larger context or social setting.
Examples
- "He's a great item to have on the team with his experience."
- "I like that couple—they're quite the item."
- "She’s the latest item at the club, always surrounded by admirers."
- "That new car is definitely an item worth looking at."
- "We need to decide which item to feature on the homepage this week."
Cultural Context
The word 'item' comes from the Latin 'item', meaning 'also' or 'likewise', which was later adapted into Old French as 'item' meaning 'an item of a list'. Over time, it expanded to various modern usages, particularly in commerce, legal contexts, and everyday speech.
The Unexpected Item
Story
The Unexpected Item
Max sat down at the table, staring at the list in front of him. It was a long one—items for the party, items for the charity auction, and items for the office sale. Each one had its own importance, but as his eyes scanned the paper, one thing became clear: he had forgotten something crucial. A whole category of items that could make or break his plans for the evening. 'What did I forget?' he muttered to himself, running his finger down the list. As he did, his phone buzzed on the table. A message from his friend Sarah: 'Don't forget the main item for tonight's party. You know, the surprise!' Max's heart skipped a beat. He had completely forgotten about the surprise item, the one everyone was looking forward to. The mysterious item that Sarah had promised would be the highlight of the evening. Panicking, Max grabbed his jacket and rushed to the store. As he hurried through the aisles, he noticed all the usual party items—decorations, snacks, drinks—but none of them seemed quite right. He needed something special, something that would truly live up to Sarah's hype. After what seemed like an eternity, he spotted it—a glittering, one-of-a-kind item that would fit perfectly with the theme. That night, the party was a success. Everyone was gathered around the item, admiring it. It wasn’t just an object; it had become a centerpiece of the evening, a symbol of everything Max had hoped to achieve. Sarah, standing by his side, smiled. 'Good choice,' she said. 'That was the right item to bring everything together.' Later, as Max reflected on the event, he realized that the word 'item' had taken on several meanings throughout the day. It had started as a simple list, then turned into a product to buy, and eventually became a symbol of celebration. In every context, an item was something that added value, purpose, or excitement to a larger whole. 'Funny how one little word can mean so much,' Max thought, as he picked up his phone to send Sarah a thank-you message. 'The right item really can make all the difference.'
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