Byword: meaning, definitions and examples

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byword

 

[ ˈbaɪˌwɜrd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,446 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.