by
🇺🇸
/baɪ/
🇬🇧
/baɪ/
preposition
A1
the method or way something is done
Turn on the light by flipping the switch.
A1
in close proximity to something
The chair is by the table.
A1
the agent in a passive sentence
The package was sent by my friend.
A1
before a certain time
I will be there by 5 o'clock.
A2
as a result of
She resigned by mistake.
A2
indicating the extent or degree of something
The room is different by a few inches.
A2
during a certain period
We survived by candlelight during the power outage.
A2
according to
The law states this by its terms.
B1
past a point
She walked by me in silence.
B2
indicating the part of the body
He grabbed me by the arm.
B2
for the purpose of measuring
The fabric is sold by the yard.
B2
at a certain rate
The cars passed by two at a time.
B2
indicating dimensions
The room is 10 feet by 20 feet.
B2
in the operation of multiplication
Four by three equals twelve.
R
providing additional information
He is known by many names.
R
in the name of
I swear by the sacred truth.
adverb
B1
indicating past
He walked by while I was reading.
R
for future use
She has saved some money by for emergencies.
R
to pay a short visit
I'll just drop by to say hello.
translation
the method or way something is done; in close proximity to something; the agent in a passive sentence; before a certain time; as a result of; indicating the extent or degree of something; during a certain period; according to; past a point; indicating the part of the body; for the purpose of measuring; at a certain rate; indicating dimensions; in the operation of multiplication; providing additional information; in the name of
indicating past; for future use; to pay a short visit