English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word by in English

What does by mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

by

US /baɪ/
UK /baɪ/
"by" picture

Preposition

1.

indicating the means of achieving something

Example:
•
He traveled by train.
•
She learned English by watching movies.
2.

indicating the agent performing an action in a passive sentence

Example:
•
The book was written by a famous author.
•
The ball was hit by the player.
3.

indicating proximity or location beside something

Example:
•
The house is by the river.
•
Sit by me.
Synonym:
besidenext tonear
4.

indicating a deadline or a point in time before which something happens

Example:
•
Please submit your report by Friday.
•
I need to finish this by noon.
Synonym:
beforeno later than

Adverb

1.

past; beyond

Example:
•
He walked right by me without noticing.
•
The car drove by quickly.
Synonym:
pastalongside
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