Definition by
Etymology
From Middle English by, bi, from Old English bī (“by; near; around”), from Proto-Germanic *bi (“near; by; around; about”). Cognate with West Frisian by (“by; near”), Afrikaans by (“at; by; near”), Saterland Frisian bie (“near; by”), Dutch bij (“near; by”), German Low German bi (“by; near; at”), German bei (“by; near; at”).
Preposition
by
- Near or next to.
- At some time before (the given time), or before the end of a given time interval.
- Indicates the actor in a clause with its verb in the passive voice: Through the action or presence of.
- Indicates the creator of a work: Existing through the authorship etc. of.
- Indicates the cause of a condition or event: Through the action of, caused by, responsibility for; by dint of.
- Indicates a means: Involving/using the means of.
- Indicates a source of light used as illumination.
- Indicates an authority, rule, or permission followed.
- Indicates the amount of some progression: With a change of.
- In the formulae X by X and by Xs, indicates a steady progression, one X after another.
- Indicates a referenced source: According to.
- Indicates an oath: With the authority of.
- Used to separate dimensions when describing the size of something.
- (horse breeding) Designates a horse's male parent (sire); cf. out of.
Adverb
by (not comparable)
- Along a path which runs by the speaker.
- In the vicinity, near.
- To or at a place, as a residence or place of business.
- Aside, away.
Adjective
by (not comparable)
- Out of the way, subsidiary.
(Can we add an example for this sense?)
Noun
by (plural bys)
- (card games) A pass
Interjection
by
- Alternative spelling of bye