Byword: meaning, definitions and examples
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byword
[ ˈbaɪˌwɜrd ]
common phrase
A byword is a word or phrase that has become widely known and is often used to represent a specific idea, quality, or characteristic. It typically encapsulates the essence of a more complex notion in a succinct manner.
Synonyms
catchphrase, maxim, proverb, saying.
Examples of usage
- His name became a byword for excellence in the field.
- In modern society, the term 'freedom' is a byword for human rights.
- Melancholy was a byword for her poetry style.
- In business, innovation is often a byword for success.
Translations
Translations of the word "byword" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ditado
🇮🇳 उद्धरण
🇩🇪 Spruch
🇮🇩 peribahasa
🇺🇦 прислів'я
🇵🇱 przysłowie
🇯🇵 格言
🇫🇷 dicton
🇪🇸 refrán
🇹🇷 atasözü
🇰🇷 격언
🇸🇦 مثل
🇨🇿 přísloví
🇸🇰 príslovie
🇨🇳 格言
🇸🇮 pregovor
🇮🇸 orðatiltæki
🇰🇿 мақал
🇬🇪 თქმულება
🇦🇿 deyim
🇲🇽 refrán
Etymology
The term 'byword' originates from the Old English 'biword', which means 'beside' or 'by', paired with the word 'word'. It has roots in the notion of a 'word' that accompanies or is often mentioned alongside others to imply a characteristic or quality. The usage can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was utilized to describe a term that served as a representative example. Over time, the word 'byword' has evolved to represent phrases or expressions that epitomize certain traits, becoming synonymous with the encapsulation of a broader concept in a single term. Its usage in literature and speech has maintained this essence, often reflecting the shared understanding of a particular context or idea among speakers.