by
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/baɪ/
British pronunciation
/baɪ/

Definition & Meaning of "by"

01

used to refer to moving past or alongside something or someone

by definition and meaning
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The train rushed by, leaving a gust of wind in its wake.
He walked by without saying a word.
02

used to indicate storing or saving something, especially for future use

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They've been putting money by for their child's education.
You should put by some supplies in case of an emergency.
03

at or to someone's residence or location

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I'll come by after work to return your book.
Some neighbors stopped by to welcome us.
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Is there a pharmacy by?
She waited until no one was by before making the call.
01

used to indicate the person or entity performing an action

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The letter was delivered by the postman.
The decision was made by the committee.
1.1

used to refer to the creator or originator of something

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The novel by J.K. Rowling became a worldwide bestseller.
This painting was created by Pablo Picasso.
02

used to show how something is done or achieved

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The problem was solved by teamwork.
He completed the project by working late.
03

used to introduce the term that is being explained or defined

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What is meant by " courage "?
She clarified what was meant by " innovation. "
04

used to indicate the name or title by which someone is called or known

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I know her by her nickname.
He's known by his stage name.
05

used to show the type of transportation used to travel

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We are traveling by bus to the city.
He commutes to work by car.
06

used to refer to the parent, other than the one speaking

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He is their son by his first wife.
The children are her offspring by her second husband.
07

used to refer to the father of a particular animal, especially in terms of breeding

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The foal is by a famous stallion.
This colt is by Goldfuerst.
08

used in expressions showing how something occurs

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I heard by chance that she had moved.
He won the game by luck.
09

used to indicate the extent or dimensions of a margin

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He won the race by a large margin.
He beat his opponent by a landslide.
10

used to specify the standard or unit used to evaluate or measure something

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We are billed by the hour.
The work was calculated by the minute.
11

used in mathematical operations to show multiplication or division

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Multiply 4 by 5 to get the result.
Divide 12 by 3 for the answer.
12

used to indicate continuous or sequential occurrence of an action or event

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The temperature dropped minute by minute.
The storm intensified hour by hour.
13

used to show the basis for categorization or analysis

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The data is broken down by region and age.
The survey results were categorized by income.
13.1

used to indicate conformity with a standard or expectation

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They acted by the guidelines set by the committee.
The team played by the rules and won.
14

used to show when something must be completed or occurs

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The project must be finished by Friday.
The application is due by noon tomorrow.
15

used to show the time period in which something occurs

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The lion hunts by night.
He works by day and sleeps by night.
16

used to show the proximity or position beside something

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The park is by the river.
He stood by the window, watching the sunset.
16.1

used to indicate movement past or beyond a certain point

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I drove by the park this morning.
The train passed right by him without stopping.
17

as judged, stated, or approved by someone or something

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Anything he does is all right by me.
By my calculation, we are running late.
18

used to express emphasis or frustration in a mild exclamation

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By God, I did n't expect this outcome!
She's the kindest soul I've ever met, by all that's holy.
19

used to show recognition or identification based on a description or appearance

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He is known by his distinctive voice.
I recognize them by their accents.
20

used to show the part of something that is physically handled or held

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He grabbed the box by the handle.
She held the cup by its rim.
21

used to express someone's occupation, origin, etc.

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She's a teacher by profession.
He is an actor by trade.
22

used to indicate acting or doing something for someone else

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A good leader always does right by their team.
The lawyer was just doing her job by her client.
01

used to indicate something minor, indirect, or not primary

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The new drug is effective, but fatigue is a common by-effect.
The factory generates a lot of byproducts that must be carefully disposed of.
02

used to indicate a side road, path, or minor route

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We took a quiet bypath through the woods to avoid the traffic.
The hiker discovered an old bypassage leading to the river.
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