Spell Bee Word: by

Basic Details

Word: By

Part of Speech: Preposition

Meaning: Used to indicate the agent performing an action, the means of achieving something, proximity, or time limits.

Synonyms: Through, via, with, near

Antonyms: Without, beyond, away from

Idioms and Phrases

1. By and large: Generally speaking. Example: "By and large, the project was a success."
2. By the book: To follow rules or instructions strictly. Example: "The officer always does things by the book."
3. By heart: To memorize something perfectly. Example: "She learned the poem by heart."

Usage Examples

Example 1: This novel was written by a famous author.

Example 2: The child went to school by bus every morning.

Example 3: Please submit your homework by tomorrow evening.

Fun Fact

The word "by" comes from Old English "bi," meaning "near" or "beside." Over time, it developed multiple uses in English, making it one of the most versatile prepositions.

Famous Quote

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the primary function of "by"?

a) A verb
b) A noun
c) A preposition
d) An adjective

Answer: c) A preposition

2. Which sentence uses "by" correctly?

a) He is going by play football.
b) The cake was baked by my mother.
c) They went by the swimming.
d) The by is red.

Answer: b) The cake was baked by my mother.

3. Which of these is an idiom with "by"?

a) By chance
b) By house
c) By chair
d) By table

Answer: a) By chance

4. What does "by heart" mean?

a) To love deeply
b) To memorize perfectly
c) To speak kindly
d) To act bravely

Answer: b) To memorize perfectly

5. Which is an antonym of "by"?

a) Near
b) Without
c) Via
d) Through

Answer: b) Without