go by

The phrase "go by" is versatile and can indicate passing time, being known by a name, following rules, or ignoring something.

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Definition

B1General

(common)To pass or move past something or someone.

Example

As the years go by, technology continues to advance.
She watched the cars go by from her window.

B1Names

(common)To be known or identified by a particular name or title.

Example

He goes by the name of John at work.
She goes by her maiden name professionally.

B2Decision Making

(common)To follow or adhere to a particular rule, standard, or principle.

Example

It's a good rule to go by in uncertain situations.
If history is anything to go by, this trend will continue.

B2Judgment

(common)To rely on or use as a basis for judgment or action.

Example

You can't always go by first impressions.
They went by the guidelines provided.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "go by":

pass by go past ride by go about go along fly by go by the board go at go with give the go-by go through go around go one's way to go pass over come by breeze past happen by go without pass on go over go under pass for walk over pass through run past get past go down stop by go on pass along go for go away move along get around ride along go round come along by the by go to pass away get through go in abide by go about one's day go up on the way pass up let go by the run by and by run through en passant go about one's business