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used to show how something is done: They travelled across Europe by train / car. She did the decorating by herself (= alone, without help from anyone). We went in by (= through) the front door. Do you want to be paid in cash or by cheque? He learned English by listening to the radio.
1. : in proximity to : near. standing by the window. 2. a. : into the vicinity of and beyond : past. went right by him. b. : through or through the medium (see medium entry 1 sense 2) of : via. enter by the door. c. : in the direction of : toward. sailed north by east. 3. a. : during the course of. studied by night. b. : not later than.
By, through, with indicate agency or means of getting something done or accomplished. By is regularly used to denote the agent (person or force) in passive constructions: It is done by many; destroyed by fire. It also indicates means: Send it by airmail.
Definition of by preposition in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
See by the by. SYNONYMS 11. by, through, with indicate agency or means of getting something done or accomplished. by is regularly used to denote the agent (person or force) in passive constructions: It is done by many; destroyed by fire.
near or next to something or someone: I'll meet you by the post office. A small child stood by her side. by preposition (NOT LATER) A2. not later than a particular time or date: Applications have to be in by the 31st. by preposition (ACCORDING TO) according to: By law you must be eighteen to purchase alcohol.
(Definition of by definition from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press) by definition | American Dictionary. idiom. Add to word list. because of the nature of someone or something: Circus performers are, by definition, risk takers.
