The word "by which" is pronounced /baɪ wɪtʃ/ and is spelled with the combination of the letters 'by' and 'which'. The 'b' in 'by' is pronounced with a voiced bilabial plosive /b/, while 'y' is pronounced with a palatal glide /j/. The 'w' in 'which' is pronounced with a voiced labio-velar approximant /w/, and the 'i' is pronounced with a short vowel sound /ɪ/. The 'tch' at the end of the word is a combination of the letters 't' and 'ch' and is pronounced with a voiceless palato-alveolar affricate /tʃ/.
"By which" is a phrase that serves as a conjunction, connecting two parts of a sentence and indicating the method, means, or process by which something is done or achieved. It is typically used to introduce a subordinate clause.
The phrase "by which" is often used to establish a cause-and-effect or explanatory relationship between two parts of a sentence. It provides additional information or context about the manner in which an action occurred or a result was achieved. It is frequently used when discussing procedures, steps, or mechanisms involved in accomplishing a task or goal.
For example:
- "She solved the complex mathematical problem by which she earned the prestigious award" indicates that she solved the problem in a way or through a method that allowed her to receive the award.
- "The new software, by which we optimize efficiency, has increased productivity in the company" indicates that the software is a means or tool by which efficiency is enhanced, resulting in improved productivity.
Overall, "by which" is a phrase used to introduce a dependent clause that helps explain or provide more detail about the method or process involved in achieving a specific outcome. It is a useful tool for clarifying the process, means, or mechanism through which an action or result is achieved.
The word "by" is of Old English origin, deriving from the Old English word "bi" or "bī", which means "near" or "by the side of". It is closely related to the Old Frisian word "bī", the Middle Dutch word "bi", and the Gothic word "bi".
The word "which" also has Old English roots, originating from the Old English word "hwilc" or "hwelc", which means "which" or "what". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "khilkoz" or "khwilkoz".
When these two words are combined to form the phrase "by which", it signifies the sense of something being identified, selected, or indicated.