by
by Lexical Profile
by Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
So as to go past a particular point, person, or place.
"We watched the parade march by from our balcony."
Near at hand or in close proximity.
"The paramedics stood by in case anyone needed medical attention."
Aside or in reserve for future use.
"They made sure to put some money by for emergencies."
• preposition
Identifying the agent performing an action or the creator of a work.
"The novel was written by a renowned historian."
Indicating the means, method, or mode of transport used to achieve a result.
"She prefers to travel by train whenever visiting neighboring cities."
Indicating location near, beside, or next to something.
"They rented a small cottage by the lake for the summer."
Not later than a specified time or deadline.
"All applications must be submitted by Friday afternoon."
Indicating the amount, degree, or unit of measurement, rate, or margin.
"The company's revenue increased by fifteen percent this quarter."
• adjective
Located to the side, out of the main way, or secondary in importance.
"The hikers took a quiet by-road to avoid the heavy highway traffic."
• noun
A variant spelling of 'bye', referring to the preferential status of a player or team automatically advancing to the next round of a tournament without playing an opponent.
"After finishing first in the regular season, the team earned a first-round by in the playoffs."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused with its homophones 'buy' (a verb meaning to purchase) and 'bye' (an informal farewell or a tournament privilege).
• Rhymes for by
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'bī' or 'be' (near, beside, during), descending from Proto-Germanic '*bi' and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root '*bhi-' or '*ambhi-' (around).