go-by

[ goh-bahy ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a going by without notice; an intentional passing by; snub:

   to give one the go-by.

go-by

¹

noun

1. slang.
   a deliberate snub or slight (esp in the phrase give ( a person ) the go-by )

go by

²

verb

1. to pass

   don't let those opportunities go by!

   as the years go by we all get older

   the cars went by

2. preposition to be guided by

   in the darkness we could only go by the stars

3. preposition to use as a basis for forming an opinion or judgment

   it's wise not to go only by appearances

Word History and Origins

Origin of go-by¹

First recorded in 1605–15; noun use of verb phrase go by

Example Sentences

One of my favorite acts in the world is this electronic duo, they go by Bob Moses.

From Los Angeles Times

After the initial payment, months went by without any financial support.

From BBC

But the sentence went by fast, and he seemed genuinely interested in perhaps working together.

From Los Angeles Times

The teenage Johnny, who went by JJ, was supposed to be honored Friday at his senior night football game at Corning Union High School.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a holiday in South Korea, but Joshua Hong, who goes by his first name, took his one day off to chat about his group’s upcoming world tour.

From Los Angeles Times