Want to say by differently? Here are other words for by and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of by
The primary meaning of the word "by" is a preposition used to indicate the agent or means of an action.
Etymology of by
The word "by" originated from Old English "bī" and is related to Old Norse "bí" and Gothic "bi"
Historically, the word has been used to indicate agency, means, and location, with its usage evolving over time to include various other meanings and functions
Synonyms
near
alongside
beside
next to
adjacent to
close to
nearby
adjoining
abutting
neighboring
bordering
contiguous
proximate
adjacent
alongside of
in the vicinity of
within reach of
on the edge of
at the side of
on the verge of
via
through
using
by means of
by virtue of
thanks to
owing to
due to
because of
on account of
as a result of
Definitions
- Indicating the agent or means of an action: the painting was done by a local artist
- * Indicating the method or instrument used: the work was done by hand
- * Indicating a location or position: the house by the lake
- * Indicating a time or deadline: the work must be finished by Friday
Usage Examples
- The book was written by my favorite author
- * The city is located by the river
- * The work will be done by the end of the week
- * The artist signed the painting by writing her name in the corner