Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [bahy fahr]
- /baɪ fɑr/
- /baɪ ˈfɑː(r)/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [bahy fahr]
- /baɪ fɑr/
Definitions of by far words
- phrase by far You use the expression by far when you are comparing something or someone with others of the same kind, in order to emphasize how great the difference is between them. For example, you can say that something is by far the best or the best by far to indicate that it is definitely the best. 3
- noun by far by a considerable margin 3
- noun by far considerably; to a great degree; very much 3
- adverb by far at or to a great distance; a long way off; at or to a remote point: We sailed far ahead of the fleet. 1
- adverb by far at or to a remote or advanced time: We talked far into the night. 1
- adverb by far at or to a great, advanced, or definite point of progress, or degree: Having come this far, we might as well continue. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of by far
First appearance:
before 900 One of the 4% oldest English words
before 900; Middle English far, fer, Old English feorr; cognate with Old High German ferr, Old Norse fjar, Gothic fairra; akin to German fern far, Latin porrō forward, further
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for By far
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
by far popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 96% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
by far usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for by far
adv by far
- certainly — You use certainly to emphasize what you are saying when you are making a statement.
- actually — You use actually to indicate that a situation exists or happened, or to emphasize that it is true.
- definitely — You use definitely to emphasize that something is the case, or to emphasize the strength of your intention or opinion.
- surely — firmly; unerringly; without missing, slipping, etc.
- probably — in all likelihood; very likely: He will probably attend.
Antonyms for by far
adv by far
- doubtfully — of uncertain outcome or result.
- dubiously — doubtful; marked by or occasioning doubt: a dubious reply.
- indefinitely — not definite; without fixed or specified limit; unlimited: an indefinite number.
- difficultly — not easily or readily done; requiring much labor, skill, or planning to be performed successfully; hard: a difficult job.
- questionably — of doubtful propriety, honesty, morality, respectability, etc.: questionable activities; in questionable taste.