Groupwise

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. Characterizing or functioning in a manner that considers or organizes elements collectively rather than individually
2. Pertaining to a method or approach that categorizes or assesses items as part of a larger set or collective
3. Relating to a system that emphasizes the relationships and interactions among units within a defined group

Etymology: "Groupwise" is a plain compound: "group" with the suffix "-wise," which attaches to nouns to mean "in the manner or respect of." Adding "-wise" to a noun produces adverbs such as "clockwise" or "likewise," so "groupwise" describes something done in terms of groups rather than individuals. Its use as an adverb for assessing items within a larger collective follows directly from that sense.

Synonyms: collectively, together, as a group