The spelling of the word "itemizes" is determined by its pronunciation. IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈaɪtəmaɪzɪz/. The syllables are "i-te-mi-zes," with the stress on the second syllable. The "i" at the beginning is a short vowel sound, followed by a consonant cluster "t" and "m." The "z" sound at the end is pronounced twice, making this word plural. "Itemizes" is a verb that means to list, detail or specify individual items.
The verb "itemize" refers to the act of listing or enumerating individual items or details, especially in a systematic and organized manner. It involves breaking down a larger whole into its constituent parts or components, typically to provide a clearer understanding or to present information in a structured format.
Itemizing entails creating an inventory or a detailed list by specifying each item separately, often in a particular order or according to specific criteria. This process facilitates precision, clarity, and comprehensiveness, enabling a reader or listener to grasp the distinct elements that form a whole.
In practical terms, itemizing can be seen in various contexts, including financial statements, budgets, bills, inventories, receipts, and tax documentation. For instance, when one itemizes deductions on a tax return, they provide a breakdown of individual expenses such as medical costs, mortgage interest, charitable donations, and state/local taxes paid. Similarly, itemizing a bill entails specifying each individual product or service along with its corresponding price or cost.
The purpose of itemizing is often to enhance transparency, accuracy, and accountability. By presenting information in a detailed and specific manner, itemizing allows for closer scrutiny, comparison, and evaluation. It promotes organized record-keeping, meticulous analysis, and efficient decision-making by providing a comprehensive overview of various components and their respective values within a larger whole.
The word itemizes is derived from the noun item, which dates back to the 14th century and comes from the Latin word item meaning likewise, also. The verb form, itemize, originated in the 19th century by adding the suffix -ize to the noun. Therefore, the etymology of itemizes is essentially linked to the Latin root of item.