BY DAY Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "by day" is an idiomatic expression referring to an occurrence or situation that takes place during the daylight hours, specifically from morning to evening. It emphasizes the distinction between day and night or implies that the described activity or circumstance pertains exclusively to the daytime period.
In a literal sense, "by day" suggests that an action, event, or condition is confined or primarily happens during the sunlit hours of a day. For example, a farmer might say, "I work in the fields by day and rest at night," indicating that the bulk of their work or labor-intensive tasks are undertaken from sunrise to sunset.
Furthermore, "by day" can be employed metaphorically to express that something is more visible, tangible, or apparent during the daytime when compared to the nighttime. This could be employed to describe a scenario where a problem or flaw is not readily noticeable, but becomes evident once the situation is thoroughly assessed "by day" or in a more visible light.
Additionally, the phrase may be utilized to juxtapose opposing routines or activities during the different parts of a day. For instance, if someone were to say, "He leads a quiet life by day but becomes a rock star by night," it signifies that the person's daytime existence is low-key or ordinary, while their nighttime persona is associated with excitement or flamboyance. Overall, "by day" is a versatile phrase that portrays the temporal aspect of an occurrence happening specifically within the daytime hours or highlighting its visibility in relation to contrasting periods.
Common Misspellings for BY DAY
Etymology of BY DAY
The etymology of the phrase "by day" can be traced back to Old English and Middle English.
The word "by" in Old English was "bi" or "bī", which meant "near" or "beside". It could also signify "according to" or "in consideration of".
The word "day" comes from the Old English word "dæg". This term is related to the Proto-Germanic word "dagaz" and the Old High German word "tag", both of which had a similar meaning.
When these two words, "by" and "day", were combined, it formed the phrase "by day". This expression has been used for centuries to refer to actions or events that occur during the day or in daylight hours.
Idioms with the word BY DAY
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day by day
The idiom "day by day" means that something is happening gradually or continuously, taking place or progressing gradually and steadily over time. It implies the process of small changes or improvements that happen each day, without any sudden or significant leaps.
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by day
The idiom "by day" typically means during the daytime or in daylight hours, as opposed to at night or during the evening. It can also be used to emphasize a person's profession or daily occupation.
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