American Dictionary
Definition by in American English
by
adverb, preposition
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
adverb, preposition
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
By can be used in the following ways:
as a preposition (followed by a noun): The building was destroyed by fire.
as an adverb (without a following noun): As time went by, things improved.
Children are fascinated by the idea of magic.
using a particular method to achieve something
using a particular method to achieve something
Reading is taught by traditional methods here.
The palace balcony is shielded by bulletproof glass.
Every bit of lace is made by hand (=not using a machine).
using a particular name or title
not later than a particular time or date
not later than a particular time or date
Application forms must be received by March 31st.
during the period until a particular time or date
By mid afternoon over 5,000 people had visited the exhibition.
I find that Friday afternoons just drag by (=go very slowly).
used for showing how much something has changed, or how much difference there is between things
beside or close to someone or something
used for showing that something is judged according to certain standards of behavior, quality, etc.
Her performance was amazing by any standard.
used for referring to someone's personality, job, origin, name, etc.
used for saying what units of measurement are used
used for saying what units of measurement are used
Industrial workers are generally paid by the hour.
Related Words
Words related to by: