unit
A single complete thing that is part of a larger whole or group. It can refer to a standard of measurement, a section of a textbook, or an individual apartment in a building.
Examples
3 of 5Each apartment unit in this building has its own balcony.
Each apartment unit in this building has its own balcony.
The patient was moved to the intensive care unit for specialized monitoring.
The patient was moved to the intensive care unit for specialized monitoring.
We need to finish the last unit of the book before the exam.
We need to finish the last unit of the book before the exam.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the prefix 'uni-', which means 'one.' A unit is ONE single piece of something bigger.
Quick Quiz
The meter is the basic ___ of length in the metric system.
Correct!
The correct answer is: unit
Examples
Each apartment unit in this building has its own balcony.
everydayEach apartment unit in this building has its own balcony.
The patient was moved to the intensive care unit for specialized monitoring.
formalThe patient was moved to the intensive care unit for specialized monitoring.
We need to finish the last unit of the book before the exam.
informalWe need to finish the last unit of the book before the exam.
The joule is the standard unit of energy in the International System of Units.
academicThe joule is the standard unit of energy in the International System of Units.
The company decided to close its manufacturing unit in the city.
businessThe company decided to close its manufacturing unit in the city.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
intensive care unit
intensive care unit
unit price
unit price
base unit
base unit
Often Confused With
Unit refers to a single object or part, while unity refers to the state of being joined together in agreement.
Unit is a noun meaning a part; unite is a verb meaning to join together.
Usage Notes
The word 'unit' is very versatile; use it when referring to a specific piece of a larger system, whether that system is a building, a book, or a scientific measurement.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'unit' when they mean 'lesson.' While a unit in a book usually contains several lessons, it is not the same as a single class period.
Memory Tip
Think of the prefix 'uni-', which means 'one.' A unit is ONE single piece of something bigger.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'unus,' meaning 'one.'
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In North America and Australia, the word 'unit' is a very common legal and real estate term for an individual apartment or condo.
Quick Quiz
The meter is the basic ___ of length in the metric system.
Correct!
The correct answer is: unit
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
A system is a group of parts that work together as a whole....
groupA number of people or things that are located, gathered, or...
blockA block is a solid piece of hard material, typically with fl...
lessonA lesson is a specific period of time during which a person...
measureIn music, a measure is a small section of a piece of music t...
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