By

❤by

CAUSE

1.   used to show the person or thing that does something

The motorcycle was driven by a tiny bald man.

We were amazed by what she told us.

I'm reading some short stories (written) by Chekhov.

The book was translated by a well-known author.

I felt frightened by the anger in his voice.

METHOD

2.   used to show how something is done

They travelled across Europe by train/car.

She did the decorating (all) by herself (= alone, without help from anyone).

We went in by (= through) the front door.

Do you wish to be paid in cash or by cheque?

He learned English by listening to the radio.

Suddenly, she grabbed him by the arm (= took hold of this part of his body).

I refuse to live by (= following) their rules.

NOT LATER THAN

3.   not later than; at or before

She had promised to be back by five o'clock.

The application must be in by the 31st to be accepted.

By the time I got to the station the train had already gone.

MEASUREMENT

4. used to show measurements or amounts

Our office floor space measured twelve metres by ten (= was twelve metres in one direction and ten in the other).

Their wages were increased by 12%.

Freelance workers are paid by the hour (= for every hour they work).

These telephones have sold by the thousand.

DURING

5. during

We travelled by night and rested by day.

6. by nature/profession/trade, etc.
used when describing someone's character/job, etc.

She is, by nature, a sunny, positive sort of a person.

He's a plumber by trade.

She was, by profession, a lawyer.

7. be all right/fine by sb

If something is all right/fine by someone, they agree that it can happen

"I'd prefer to go later." "That's fine by me."
If it's all right by you, I'd like to leave now.

8. near, at the side of or (in distance or time) past

A small child stood sullenly by her side.

He wanted to keep her close by him always.

The policewoman walked by (= past) them without saying a word.

The years flew by.