The phrase “by inches” is a common expression used in the English language. It is often used to describe an event or action that is progressing slowly, gradually, or in a meticulous manner. This phrase can be used in different contexts and has various meanings that may depend on the situation.
Definitions
The phrase “by inches” can be defined as a slow and gradual process of movement or progress. It is an expression that describes a situation where something is progressing slowly, step by step, or in a meticulous manner. The phrase can also be used to describe the measurement of something in small increments.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “by inches” can be traced back to the sixteenth century. The phrase is believed to have originated from the medieval Latin word “uncia,” which means “one-twelfth.” This word was used to describe the small increments used in measuring length, weight, and volume. The word “uncia” was later adopted into the English language as “inch,” which is still used today.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase “by inches” has different meanings in various dictionaries. In the Oxford English Dictionary, the phrase is defined as “gradually, step by step, or in small increments.” In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the phrase is defined as “slowly, little by little, or in a meticulous manner.”
Associations
The phrase “by inches” is often associated with slow and meticulous progress. It is used to describe a situation where something is progressing gradually and step by step. The phrase can also be associated with precision and accuracy, as it is often used in the context of measuring something in small increments.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for the phrase “by inches,” including gradually, step by step, inch by inch, little by little, slowly, and meticulously.
Antonyms
The antonyms of the phrase “by inches” include quickly, rapidly, suddenly, and abruptly. These words describe a situation where something is progressing or happening suddenly or without warning.
The same root words
The phrase “by inches” has the same root words as the word “inch.” The word “inch” is derived from the medieval Latin word “uncia,” which means “one-twelfth.” The word “inch” is used to describe a small unit of measurement that is equal to one-twelfth of a foot.
Example Sentences
- The construction of the new building is progressing by inches.
- The athlete inched his way to the finish line to win the race.
- The artist painted the portrait by inches, paying attention to every detail.
- The car moved forward by inches in the heavy traffic.
- The team advanced to the finals by inches, winning each game by a small margin.
The phrase “by inches” is a common expression used in the English language. It is often used to describe a situation where something is progressing slowly, gradually, or in a meticulous manner. The phrase has different meanings in various dictionaries, but it is generally associated with slow and meticulous progress. The phrase has the same root words as the word “inch,” which is used to describe a small unit of measurement.