Definition of Get by

1. Verb. Come to terms with. "They made do on half a loaf of bread every day"


2. Verb. Pass or move in front of. "Bride's Biscuit got by the other dogs to win the race"
Generic synonyms: Overhaul, Overtake, Pass

3. Verb. Escape potentially unpleasant consequences; get away with a forbidden action. "I couldn't get out from under these responsibilities"
Exact synonyms: Escape, Get Away, Get Off, Get Out
Specialized synonyms: Evade
Generic synonyms: Avoid
Derivative terms: Escape

Definition of Get by

1. Verb. (intransitive idiomatic) To subsist; to succeed, survive, or manage, at least at a minimal level. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Get By

get at
get away
get away with
get away with murder
get back
get back at
get back on the horse that bucked one
get back to
get behind
get bent
get bent out of shape
get better
get blood from a stone
get blood out of a stone
get by (current term)
get carried away
get changed
get cold feet
get cracking
get down
get down to business
get down with
get dressed
get drunk
get even
get fresh

Literary usage of Get by

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A New Discovery of a Vast Country in America by Louis Hennepin, Victor Hugo Paltsits (1903)
"[69] CHAP. XIV. Of the great difficulties in converting the Savages. Of the Prayers they get by rote ; and of Martyrdom. ..."

2. The Literary Diary of Ezra Stiles: Ed. Under the Authority of the by Ezra Stiles (1901)
"Could you get by borrowing or buying, or by Donations the necessary Apparatus, with an House to live in, Firewood, a small Salary, this with the Liberty of ..."

3. Buddhist Legends by Buddhaghosa (1921)
"Said the treasurer, " What do you expect to get by walking back and forth? You may sit down cross-legged in the air, but for all that you will get nothing ..."

4. A Grammar of the German Language: Designed for a Thoro and Practical Study by George Oliver Curme (1922)
"... common meaning of getting, obtaining something in the manner described by the simple verb: erfahren to experience (ie to get by going, passing thru), ..."

5. Moral tales for young people by Maria Edgeworth (1806)
"you know, I get by rote slower than any body in the world." " I'm glad of it, heartily," cried Oliver ; " but this put something out of my head, ..."

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