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

Suneung students have previously been encouraged to avoid other so-called earworms, with songs such as "Go Go" by BTS and "Ring Ding Dong" by SHINee repeatedly cited online as tracks that should be forbidden.

From BBC

Mr Hadfield explains: "Your game is to find five free minutes. I would float to the window to watch something go by. Or write music, take photographs or write something for my children."

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Conservative positions on “parental notification” could also come into play, especially in California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law this year banning rules that mandate school districts to alert parents when students come out as transgender or ask to go by names and pronouns different than what is on their school records.

From Los Angeles Times

“But I really think he’s an asset everywhere because I think he’s an excellent campaigner. He’s a very smart campaigner. He knows the issues that move people. I wouldn’t go by approval ratings — nobody’s off the charts.”

From Los Angeles Times