Byword

Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪˌwɜrd/

Definitions of byword

noun a word or phrase that has become widely known or famous, often as a proverb or saying

Example Sentences

A1 In the story, the hero became a byword for bravery.

A2 The phrase 'work hard, play hard' has become a byword for success.

B1 Her name was a byword for elegance and sophistication in the fashion industry.

B2 The company's commitment to quality has made it a byword for excellence in the industry.

C1 His controversial remarks have made him a byword for political incorrectness.

C2 The brand has become a byword for luxury and exclusivity in the market.

Examples of byword in a Sentence

formal The city's commitment to sustainability has become a byword for environmental stewardship.

informal Her impeccable taste in fashion has made her a byword for style among her friends.

slang That restaurant is a total byword for delicious food, you have to try it!

figurative His name has become a byword for betrayal in political circles.

Grammatical Forms of byword

• past tense: byworded
• plural: bywords
• comparative: more byword
• superlative: most byword
• present tense: bywords
• future tense: will be bywording
• perfect tense: have byworded
• continuous tense: is bywording
• singular: byword
• positive degree: byword
• infinitive: to byword
• gerund: bywording
• participle: byworded

Origin and Evolution of byword

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'byword' originated from Old English, where 'biword' meant a proverb or a saying.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'byword' shifted from a proverb or saying to refer to a person or thing that is a symbol or embodiment of a particular quality or characteristic, often negative in nature.