Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

By the way

adv, prep_phrase

Definitions

Adverb
  1. 1
    Irrelevantly, off-topic. UK, idiomatic, not-comparable
Adverb
  1. 1
    introducing a different topic wordnet
Prep_phrase
  1. 1
    Incidentally; used in referencing a parenthetical statement not timely, central, or crucial to the topic at hand; foregone, passed by, something that has already happened. conjunctive, idiomatic

    "His mother will be coming for dinner tomorrow, and, by the way, she recently sold her collection of ceramic eggs."

Etymology

Etymology 1

First appeared in the 10th century with literal meaning "by the side of the road", from Old English weġ (which became "way") meaning "road". Soon afterward (circa 1000) it came to mean "during one's journey". The figurative meaning developed in the mid-16th century, with the first instance of the modern meaning being from 1614.

Etymology 2

First appeared in the 10th century with literal meaning "by the side of the road", from Old English weġ (which became "way") meaning "road". Soon afterward (circa 1000) it came to mean "during one's journey". The figurative meaning developed in the mid-16th century, with the first instance of the modern meaning being from 1614.

See also for "by the way"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: bytheway