The word "glides by" is spelled with a silent "d" at the end of "glides" and "by" is pronounced with a long "i" sound. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription for this word is /ɡlaɪdz baɪ/. The "d" sound in "glides" is not pronounced because it comes after the voiced consonant "z" and before a silent "e". The "y" in "by" is pronounced as a long "i" sound because it follows the "consonant + vowel + consonant" (CVC) pattern.
The phrase "glides by" typically refers to the action of moving effortlessly or smoothly past someone or something. This expression portrays a sense of graceful and uninterrupted movement, often describing a person or object smoothly passing another or proceeding without causing any disturbance or interruption. The term "glides by" is commonly used in a figurative context to describe the effortless passing of time, where moments seem to pass quickly and effortlessly, without being noticed or experienced fully.
In a literal sense, "glides by" can describe physical movements, such as an individual gracefully passing by someone in a public space, smoothly walking or sliding past them without causing any disruption. It can also refer to objects or vehicles, like a smoothly gliding boat on water or a car effortlessly driving past others on the road.
Figuratively, "glides by" commonly relates to the passage of time, indicating that it seems to move swiftly and seamlessly, almost unnoticed. Moments, hours, or entire years may be described as "gliding by," suggesting that they passed quickly and smoothly without much notice or reflection. The phrase can convey a sense of nostalgia or regret, as if time has slipped away or been missed due to its effortless and unperceived passing. Ultimately, "glides by" typically conveys a sense of smooth, unobtrusive motion or the swift passing of time.
The phrase "glides by" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words: "glides" and "by".
The word "glide" comes from the Middle English word "glyden" or "gliden", which can be traced back to the Old English word "glidan". It ultimately originates from the Proto-Germanic word "glīdaną", meaning "to glide" or "to move smoothly".
The word "by" is derived from Old English "bi", meaning "near" or "by the side of".
When combined, "glides by" refers to the act of moving or progressing smoothly and passing by something or someone.