Phrase guide

by itself

prep_phrase · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Synonym of in itself.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The court sought to establish that preparation for a crime, by itself, does not constitute an attempted crime.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: in itself

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

Declined form of by oneself.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The kitten was sitting by itself on the sidewalk, mewing, apparently expecting its mother to appear at any moment.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.