by - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

used to show how something is done or achieved

The problem was solved by teamwork.
He completed the project by working late.
The book was translated by using modern technology.
The issue was addressed by raising awareness.
The goal was achieved by consistent effort.

Synonyms:

used to show the type of transportation used to travel

We are traveling by bus to the city.
He commutes to work by car.
She flew by plane to New York.
They traveled by train across the country.
We took a short trip by boat.

Synonyms:

used to indicate the extent or dimensions of a margin

He won the race by a large margin.
He beat his opponent by a landslide.
The bullet missed her by a few centimeters.
The shot missed her by inches.
His score was off by two points.

used to indicate the person or entity performing an action

The letter was delivered by the postman.
The decision was made by the committee.
The car was repaired by a skilled mechanic.
The speech was delivered by the president.
The contract was signed by the lawyer.

Synonyms:

via through

used to introduce the term that is being explained or defined

What is meant by "courage"?
She clarified what was meant by "innovation."
What do you mean by "success"?
I don't understand what you mean by "luxury."
Could you explain what is meant by "democracy"?

used to indicate the name or title by which someone is called or known

I know her by her nickname.
He's known by his stage name.
She is addressed by her first name.
They all call me by my middle name.
He prefers to be called by his full name.

used to refer to the parent, other than the one speaking

He is their son by his first wife.
The children are her offspring by her second husband.
Jason is his son by his third wife.
They had a daughter by their previous marriage.
She is his daughter by his first wife.

used to refer to the father of a particular animal, especially in terms of breeding

The foal is by a famous stallion.
This colt is by Goldfuerst.
The racehorse is by a well-known sire.
The filly is by a champion horse.
This dog is by an award-winning pedigree.

used in expressions showing how something occurs

I heard by chance that she had moved.
He won the game by luck.
They arrived by accident while we were talking.
The information came to me by surprise.
It happened by mistake, not intentionally.

used to specify the standard or unit used to evaluate or measure something

We are billed by the hour.
The work was calculated by the minute.
They charge by the day for lodging.
The electricity is measured by the kilowatt-hour.
The package is priced by the pound.

used in mathematical operations to show multiplication or division

Multiply 4 by 5 to get the result.
Divide 12 by 3 for the answer.
I multiplied 7 by 8 to find the total.
The equation requires dividing 50 by 10.
Multiply the number by 2 to double it.

used to indicate continuous or sequential occurrence of an action or event

The temperature dropped minute by minute.
The storm intensified hour by hour.
His progress improved day by day.
Colors changed second by second.
The tension grew bit by bit.

used to show the basis for categorization or analysis

The data is broken down by region and age.
The survey results were categorized by income.
The statistics were organized by occupation.
The population is divided by age group.
The records were sorted by department.

used to show when something must be completed or occurs

The project must be finished by Friday.
The application is due by noon tomorrow.
I need this report by the end of the day.
Please submit the assignment by next week.
The sale ends by midnight.

Synonyms:

come

used to show the time period in which something occurs

The lion hunts by night.
He works by day and sleeps by night.
She enjoys reading by night.
The birds are active by dawn.
We travel by day and rest by night.

Synonyms:

during

used to show the proximity or position beside something

The park is by the river.
He stood by the window, watching the sunset.
The store is right by the train station.
She sat by her friend during the concert.
The sign was placed by the door.

Synonyms:

around next to in close proximity to off near next about

as judged, stated, or approved by someone or something

Anything he does is all right by me.
By my calculation, we are running late.
I trust you by your judgment.
By my watch, it's almost time to leave.
The decision was all right by him.

Synonyms:

according to

used to express emphasis or frustration in a mild exclamation

By God, I didn't expect this outcome!
She's the kindest soul I've ever met, by all that's holy.
That's the truth, by every saint in heaven.
You've ruined everything, by the stars above!
By Jove, what a surprise!

used to show recognition or identification based on a description or appearance

He is known by his distinctive voice.
I recognize them by their accents.
She identified the suspect by his appearance.
I can tell him by his posture.
Most people know him by his laugh.

used to show the part of something that is physically handled or held

He grabbed the box by the handle.
She held the cup by its rim.
He took the rope by the end.
She pulled the door by its knob.
He carried the suitcase by the strap.

used to express someone's occupation, origin, etc.

She's a teacher by profession.
He is an actor by trade.
They are artists by nature.
She is a doctor by training.
He's an entrepreneur by choice.

used to indicate acting or doing something for someone else

A good leader always does right by their team.
The lawyer was just doing her job by her client.
You should do right by your parents after all they've done for you.
A true friend will always do right by you.
I trusted him, but he didn't do right by me in the end.

Synonyms:

on behalf of