By

/baɪ/

Meaning & Definition

preposition

indicating the means of achieving something or the agent performing the action.

The letter was delivered by the postman.

indicating the agent or instrument used in a passive construction.

The song was written by a famous artist.

indicating proximity or a location.

She sat by the window and watched the rain.

indicating the time at which something happens.

Please submit your report by Friday.

indicating a method of transportation or communication.

We traveled by train to visit the city.

Old English 'bi', from Proto-Germanic *bi

by the way

used to introduce a new topic or add information

by and large

generally, on the whole

by no means

not at all, in no way

stand by

to be ready to assist or support

come by

to visit or stop briefly

beside

next to or at the side of

near

at a short distance

immediately following in order or time

By the looks of it

By the looks of it, he's not coming to the party.

By hook or by crook

I'll get the job done by hook or by crook.