Definitions
(particle)
by means of; to use; according to
(particle)
in order to; because of
(particle)
at; from (time or place)
Etymology
Depicts a person (人) carrying something.
About
Originally depicting a person (人) carrying something, 以 now functions as a versatile grammatical word. It conveys a range of grammatical meanings, including "by means of", "according to", and "in order to". As a preposition, it introduces the instrument, method, or material used to carry out an action, directly connecting the action to its means. It frequently appears in fixed compounds to set spatial or temporal limits, such as indicating a location east of something or a time before an event. The character's abstract modern form reflects its syntactic role rather than a pictorial one.
Example Sentences Hide
他以跑步健身。
她以中文写信。
我们以唱歌为乐。
请以认真态度学习。
他们以和平方式解决冲突。
公司以客户为中心。
我们必须以法律为准绳。
他以毕生精力致力于科研。
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