per diem: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical (Business, Government, Legal)
Quick answer
What does “per diem” mean?
An allowance or fixed amount of money paid daily to cover expenses, especially for employees traveling for work.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An allowance or fixed amount of money paid daily to cover expenses, especially for employees traveling for work.
Can also refer to any daily rate or allowance; by extension, something done, paid, or employed on a daily basis. Historically, a per diem can also refer to a daily fee for services.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More prevalent in American English for business and government travel contexts. In British English, terms like "daily allowance" or "subsistence" are common, but "per diem" is widely understood in corporate settings.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes formal reimbursement policies. In American usage, it's a standard term in corporate, military, and government travel. In British usage, it may sound slightly more American or specifically corporate.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English. Used in British English, but often in multinational companies or sectors with strong US ties.
Grammar
How to Use “per diem” in a Sentence
receive + per diem (direct object)be + on + a per diempay + someone + a per diemset/establish + a per diem + for + location/tripVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “per diem” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- Staff are paid per diem during the conference.
- The fee is calculated per diem.
American English
- The lawyer charges per diem for trial work.
- The rental is billed per diem.
adjective
British English
- The consultant is on a per diem contract.
- We offer a per diem arrangement for short-term work.
American English
- She works as a per diem nurse.
- He has a per diem position with the agency.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Standard term for corporate travel expense policies. E.g., 'The per diem for London is £120.'
Academic
Used for conference travel grants or research field allowances. E.g., 'The grant includes a per diem for fieldwork.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing work travel. Might be used humorously for a daily spending limit on holiday.
Technical
Precisely defined in government regulations (e.g., U.S. GSA per diem rates), military travel orders, and contract law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “per diem”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “per diem”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “per diem”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They will per diem us'). Incorrect. Use 'provide a per diem.'
- Pronouncing 'diem' as /ˈdiːm/ instead of /ˈdaɪəm/ or /ˈdiːem/.
- Treating it as always plural; it's usually uncountable ("some per diem") or singular countable ("a per diem").
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not standard to use 'per diem' as a verb. It is primarily a noun, and can function as an adjective or adverb.
Typically, no. A per diem is a fixed daily allowance. You usually do not need to provide receipts for expenses within that set amount, but policies vary.
A salary is a fixed regular payment for ongoing employment. A per diem is a specific daily allowance meant to cover expenses incurred during travel or short-term assignments, not payment for work itself.
Yes, especially in American English. A 'per diem nurse' or 'per diem worker' is someone employed on a daily basis, often without a long-term contract.
An allowance or fixed amount of money paid daily to cover expenses, especially for employees traveling for work.
Per diem is usually formal/technical (business, government, legal) in register.
Per diem: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɜː ˈdiːem/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɚ ˈdaɪəm/ or /ˌpɚ ˈdiːəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On a per diem basis”
- “Per diem rates apply”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DIAM (like diamond) you get PER day to spend. Your 'per diem' is your daily treasure for expenses.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS FUEL (for daily operations/travel). TIME IS A CONTAINER (for a daily allowance).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'per diem' LEAST likely to be used correctly?