Byword: Definition, Meaning, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Usage

Discover the definition, meaning, pronunciation, synonyms, antonyms, and grammar rules of “byword.” Learn how to use it correctly with examples and FAQs.

Byword

Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪ.wɜːrd/

Definition

Byword (noun)

1. A person or thing that is well known for a particular quality – Used to indicate someone or something that is famous or symbolic for a certain characteristic.
   • Example: His name became a byword for honesty.
2. A common saying or proverb – A well-known phrase, expression, or proverb that represents an idea or principle.
   • Example: “Slow and steady wins the race” is a byword for perseverance.

Table of Contents

Meaning

The word “byword” is used to describe a person, place, or thing that is closely associated with a particular trait, whether positive or negative. It can also refer to a famous saying or proverb that expresses a widely accepted truth.

Synonyms

• For “symbol of a quality” meaning:
  • Epitome
  • Representation
  • Embodiment
  • Icon
  • Example
• For “proverb/saying” meaning:
  • Adage
  • Proverb
  • Aphorism
  • Maxim
  • Motto

Antonyms

• For “symbol of a quality” meaning:
  • Anonymity
  • Obscurity
  • Unimportance
• For “proverb/saying” meaning:
  • Misconception
  • Falsehood

Grammar Rules & Usage

1. Usage in a Sentence
   • “Byword” is used as a noun and usually followed by “for” when referring to a symbol of a particular quality.
   • Example: His name is a byword for generosity.
   • When referring to a common saying, it is used as a standalone noun.
   • Example: The old byword “practice makes perfect” still holds true.
2. Articles with “Byword”
   • “A byword” is used when referring to a singular instance.
   • Example: She became a byword for resilience.
   • “The byword” is used when referring to a well-known phrase or saying.
   • Example: The byword of the movement was ‘Equality for all’.
3. Common Collocations
   • A byword for excellence → Someone or something known for being excellent.
     • The brand is a byword for luxury.
   • A byword for failure → Someone or something known for failure.
     • After the scandal, his name became a byword for corruption.
   • An old byword → A traditional saying or phrase.
     • The old byword ‘hard work pays off’ is still relevant today.

Example Sentences

1. The city became a byword for innovation in technology.
2. His honesty made him a byword for integrity.
3. The phrase “no pain, no gain” is a well-known byword in the fitness industry.
4. The restaurant is a byword for quality and exceptional service.
5. After the disastrous campaign, his leadership became a byword for incompetence.

FAQs About Byword

1. What does “byword” mean?
“Byword” refers to a symbol of a particular quality (e.g., Her name is a byword for kindness) or a well-known saying or proverb (e.g., “Honesty is the best policy” is a byword for integrity).

2. Is “byword” a noun or an adjective?
“Byword” is a noun. It is never used as an adjective.

3. How do you use “byword” in a sentence?

• The company became a byword for innovation.
• The old byword “practice makes perfect” is still relevant today.

4. What are synonyms of “byword”?
For “symbol of a quality”: epitome, embodiment, representation
For “saying or proverb”: adage, maxim, motto

5. Can “byword” be used negatively?
Yes, “byword” can describe something infamous.

• His name became a byword for corruption after the scandal.