By Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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[baɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Preposition}

in a certain place

Used to show the place where someone or something is: She is sitting by the window. They live by the river. There is a small table by the bed.

Synonyms

beside, close to, near, next to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
by	Used to indicate proximity or location next to something, often in a general sense. He sat by the window I left my keys by the door
next to	Used to describe something or someone directly adjacent or immediately beside another. He parked his car next to mine The supermarket is next to the pharmacy
beside	Used to indicate someone or something next to another person or object, often in a more specific or precise sense. She stood beside her friend The book is beside the lamp
near	Used to indicate a short distance from something or someone, can be used in a physical or abstract sense. There's a park near my house The project is near completion
close to	Used to show a short physical or emotional distance; emphasizes a slightly broader sense of proximity. The hotel is close to the beach She feels very close to her family

Examples of usage

He stood by the door, waiting for her to arrive.
The cat is hiding by the tree.
The bookshelf is by the wall.
We took a walk by the beach.
She left her bag by the chair.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

close

Used to indicate proximity or distance: Come by and visit us sometime. I'll stop by the store on my way home.

Synonyms

adjacent, close, near.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
by	This is generally used to indicate the position of something that is beside or next to something else. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and written text. The restaurant is by the river. She stood by the door, waiting for him.
close	This is used to indicate proximity in a more general sense, which can be physical or emotional closeness. Common in everyday speech. The grocery store is close to my house. They have been close friends for years.
near	This is used to describe something that is within a short distance from another thing. It is less formal and often used in everyday conversation. The park is near our school. A gas station is near the highway exit.
adjacent	This term is more formal and often used in technical, academic, or professional contexts to describe something directly next to something else. The office is adjacent to the conference room. They bought the house adjacent to their parents' home.

Examples of usage

I'll drop by your office later today.
Let's swing by the park before heading home.
She passed by the cafe on her way to work.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

secondary means

A secondary or incidental issue or consideration: The main issue is the budget, but the lack of staff is also a factor to consider, though it is just a by.

Synonyms

incidental, secondary, side issue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
by	This preposition is commonly used to indicate the person who performs an action, the means by which something happens, or proximity. It's not just a word, it's more of a grammatical tool. The book was written by the famous author. She traveled by train. The store is by the bank.
secondary	This adjective is used when something is of less importance or falls second in priority compared to the main issue. It can also mean something that comes after the primary one in sequence or order. Saving money was a secondary benefit of quitting smoking. Her secondary objective is to improve her writing skills.
incidental	This adjective is used when something occurs as a minor event or as a byproduct of something else. It implies that the event was not planned or intended. The small scratches on the car were incidental to the minor collision. These extra costs are incidental and not part of the main budget.
side issue	This term is used to describe a topic or problem that is not the main focus. It tends to be less important and can be seen as a distraction. Let's not focus on the side issue; we need to solve the main problem first. The argument about the budget was just a side issue in the larger discussion about the project.

Examples of usage

The by of the situation is the limited resources available.
Don't let the by distract you from the main goal.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Grammar

'By' is commonly used as a preposition, showing relationships between nouns, such as 'by the river' or 'by John'.
It's versatile, functioning in phrases like 'by the way' and 'by the end', modifying meanings in various contexts.
In passive voice constructions, 'by' indicates the agent of the action, as in 'The book was written by her'.

Cultural Significance

In literature, phrases like 'by the sea' conjure imagery and emotion, enhancing storytelling.
Different languages have various equivalents for 'by', reflecting how cultures perceive relationships, such as 'par' in French.
The use of 'by' in idioms (like 'by heart') indicates familiarity and knowledge, showing human connections to language.

Music

Many song titles use 'by' to indicate the artist's performance, such as 'By the Rivers of Babylon'.
It often appears in lyrics to convey a sense of devotion, such as 'Written by the stars'.
Songs like 'I Will Survive' remind us that life sometimes unfolds beautifully 'by surprise'.

Everyday Usage

'By' is often used in time-related phrases, like 'by tomorrow', indicating a deadline or expectation.
In everyday conversation, it helps clarify who or what is involved, making communication smoother.
Many people use it to instruct or guide, as in 'Make a right turn by the shop', aiding in navigation.

Origin of 'by'

Main points about word origin

The word 'by' comes from Old English 'bi', which meant 'near' or 'about'.
It has been used in the English language since at least the 12th century, showing its long history.
Over time, 'by' has evolved to indicate agency, meaning the person who performs an action.

The word 'by' originated from the Old English word 'bī'. It has been used in English for centuries to indicate proximity, location, or secondary considerations. Over time, 'by' has evolved to be used in various contexts and has become an essential preposition in the English language.