Definition
Definition of by - Reverso English Dictionary
Preposition
1.
locationindicating location near something
- The house is by the lake.
2.
methodindicating the means of achieving something
- She traveled by train.
3.
linguisticsindicating the agent performing an action
- The book was written by the author.
4.
timeindicating a point in time
- Please finish the report by Monday.
5.
creationindicates the creator of a work
- A painting by Van Gogh.
6.
measurementused to separate dimensions
- The room is 10 feet by 12 feet.
7.
proportionper unit or in proportion to each
- Apples are sold by the dozen.
8.
rulesaccording to a rule or standard
- The decision was made by law.
9.
mathematicsindicates an amount of change
- The price increased by 10%.
Adverb
1.
proximitynear in location or time
- She stood by during the ceremony.
2.
movementpast a certain point or location
- The car drove by without stopping.
3.
locationaside or away from the main area
- He set the book by for later reading.
4.
visitto or at a place temporarily
- I will stop by your house later.
Expressions with by
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happening without intention or planning
I deleted the file by accident.
happening without intention or planning
I met her by chance at the store.
in a way that is not intentional
I called the wrong number by mistake.
move past something or someone
I watched the cars pass by the window..
without any help from others
She completed the project all by herself.
physically next to someone
She kept her dog by her side during the walk.
gradually, events develop as months go on
As time goes by, friendships can fade or grow stronger.
manage to survive or succeed with great difficulty
Many families barely get by on minimum wage.
time passing quickly
The weekend is flying by too fast.
in a gradual manner
She improved her skills bit by bit.
unable to see due to intense light
He was temporarily blinded by the light from the camera flash.
move past someone with slight contact
She brushed by him in the crowded hallway.
used to politely ask if something is possible
Do you have a pen by any chance?
automatically without active choice or intervention
The computer starts in safe mode by default.
without reading written music or instructions
He learned to play the piano by ear.
using visual estimation without precise tools
She measured the ingredients by eye.
from memory without reading or reference
She recited the poem by heart..
held tightly around the neck
The cat was caught by the neck.
apparently based on what is heard or understood
By the sound of it, they are having a party.
by physically holding the throat
She grabbed the attacker by the throat.
used when saying something not directly related to the main topic
By the way, did you see my keys?
as one's main paid work
He is a carpenter by trade.
make someone feel shocked or unprepared suddenly
The news caught me by surprise.
to visit someone casually or unexpectedly
Feel free to come by any time after six..
Origin of by
Old English, be (by) + y (the)
Terms with by included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
geography
sandy or pebbly shore by water
toys
soft stuffed toy hugged by children for comfort
transportation
two-wheeled vehicle propelled by pedals
bicycle
vehicle with two wheels moved by pedals
animal
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate distinguished by feathers
physical
separate into pieces by force
construction
form something by combining materials or parts
food
dairy product made by churning cream
communication
contact someone by telephone
automobile
vehicle with four wheels powered by an engine
transportation
move something by lifting or supporting
variety
dairy product made by curdling milk
beverage
hot drink made by mixing milk with cocoa and sugar
physical action
go up or ascend especially by using the hands and feet
visual perception
hues seen by the eye
cooking
prepare food by heating it
cooking
heated by cooking until edible
cooking
the process of preparing food by heating
family
father, often used by children
kinship
group of people related by blood or marriage
discovery
discover something by chance or search
linguistics
indicates possession by a male
food
sweet substance made by bees from nectar
picture making
visual likeness of something, created by art, camera, or computer
Examples of by in a sentence
She placed the vase by the window. He solved the problem by thinking creatively. She succeeded by working hard. The song was performed by the band. The painting was created by a famous artist. Submit your application by 5 PM.
The project must be completed by the end of the month. A novel by Jane Austen. A sculpture by Michelangelo. The painting measures 24 inches by 36 inches. The garden plot is 5 meters by 10 meters. The fabric is sold by the meter. Gasoline is priced by the gallon. The project was completed by the book. The procedure was followed by the guidelines. The temperature dropped by 5 degrees. The population grew by 2% last year. The restaurant is just by the river. He was standing by when the news broke. A cyclist sped by our house. Clouds drifted by overhead. She placed the vase by to avoid cluttering the table. The tools were set by after the work was done. I'll swing by the office tomorrow. She came by to drop off the package.
View all translations of by
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:près de, à proximité, ...
- German:bei, daneben, ...
- Italian:vicino, accanto, ...
- Spanish:junto a, cerca, ...
- Portuguese:junto de, por perto, ...
- Chinese:在, 旁边, ...
- Japanese:のそばに, そばに, ...
- Arabic:بِجانِب, قُرْبًا, ...
- Hebrew:לְיַד, חָלַף, ...
- Russian:у, рядом, ...
- Ukrainian:біля, повз, ...
- Hindi:के पास, पास, ...
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