The phrase "fall by" is spelled as /fɔl baɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "fall" is pronounced as /fɔl/ with the open-mid back rounded vowel sound "ɔ" followed by the voiceless alveolar lateral fricative sound "l." The second syllable "by" is pronounced as /baɪ/ with the diphthong vowel sound "aɪ" consisting of the open front unrounded vowel sound "a" and the close front unrounded vowel sound "ɪ" merged together.
The phrase "fall by" is commonly used as a phrasal verb and holds multiple meanings depending on the context. Generally, it refers to a decrease or reduction in quantity, quality, or intensity. It can be used both literally and figuratively, representing a decline or weakening in different aspects. Primarily, "fall by" implies a decrease in numbers or amount, suggesting a decline in quantity or proportion compared to a previous level. For example, in statistics, "the sales fell by 20% last month" means there was a reduction of 20% in sales figures compared to the previous period.
Furthermore, "fall by" can describe a decline in quality or standards. In this sense, it suggests a reduction in excellence or proficiency. For instance, when referring to educational standards, one might say "the school's performance fell by 10%," meaning there was a deterioration in overall achievements or results.
Additionally, this phrasal verb can express a decrease in intensity, such as emotions or energy. For instance, if someone says "his enthusiasm fell by the wayside," it implies that his initial excitement or passion diminished over time.
Overall, "fall by" encompasses a diverse range of connotations that generally involve a decrease in quantity, quality, or intensity, depending on the context in which it is used.
The phrase "fall by" does not have a specific etymology of its own, as it is a combination of the word "fall" and the preposition "by".
The word "fall" originates from the Old English word "feallan", which meant "to fall or drop down". Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*fallaną". Over time, "fall" acquired several different meanings and uses, both literal and figurative.
The preposition "by" also has a long history and diverse usage in the English language. Its earliest roots can be found in the Old English word "be", which later transformed into "bi" and then "by". Originally, "by" denoted proximity, position, or nearness to something or someone.