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
Originating from an early ideographic concept related to employing a tool or method, the character "以" first carried the verbal meaning of "to use" or "to take", a sense preserved in classical texts. Its structural form, historically derived from a composite representation suggesting action with an object, gradually condensed into the simple, indivisible shape recognized today. Over time, its semantic function broadened significantly, moving beyond concrete instrumentality to serve as a preposition indicating means, cause, or standard, and further grammaticalizing into a connective particle that introduces clauses of purpose or result in both classical and modern Chinese usage.
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。