"word for word" 和 "word by word" 有何不同？

 What is the difference between "word for word" and "word by word?"

ChatGPT 說：

Short answer:
There is no major difference in meaning between “word for word” and “word by word.” Both can be used to describe something done very literally, very precisely, or one word at a time. However, they differ slightly in emphasis and common usage.

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Nuanced Difference

1. “Word for word” (more common)

• Means exactly, verbatim, with no changes.

• Used especially for quoting, repeating, or translating something exactly as it was.

Examples:

• “He repeated my instructions word for word.”

• “This is a word-for-word translation.” (adjective form)

➡️ Focus: accuracy and exactness.

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2. “Word by word”

• Means step by step, one word at a time.

• Often used to describe a process, not the exactness of the outcome.

Examples:

• “We went through the text word by word to understand it.”

• “She explained the verse word by word.”

➡️ Focus: methodical progression, not necessarily perfect accuracy.

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Summary

Phrase	Most common meaning	Emphasis
word for word	verbatim, exact repetition	accuracy
word by word	taking something one word at a time	process / step-by-step