By trade – Definition & Meaning

The phrase “by trade” is a common expression used to describe the profession or occupation someone has trained for and is skilled in. It is often used to indicate a person’s primary source of income or expertise. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origin of the phrase “by trade,” as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.

Definitions

The phrase “by trade” is commonly defined as “by profession” or “by occupation.” It is used to indicate someone’s primary source of income or expertise. For example, a person who is a carpenter by trade is someone who has been trained and skilled in the profession of carpentry and earns their living from it.

Origin

The origin of the phrase “by trade” can be traced back to the Middle Ages when people were required to undergo an apprenticeship to learn a trade. The term “by trade” was used to indicate that a person had learned a particular trade through an apprenticeship and was now skilled in that profession.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “by trade” is defined as “by profession or occupation.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “by profession” or “by training.”

Associations

The phrase “by trade” is often associated with skilled labor or blue-collar work. It is also associated with the idea of a person who has undergone training or apprenticeship to learn a specific trade.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of “by trade” include “by profession,” “by occupation,” “by training,” “by vocation,” and “by skill.”

Antonyms

Antonyms of “by trade” include “amateur,” “dabbler,” and “novice.” These terms are used to describe someone who is not trained or skilled in a particular profession or occupation.

The same root words

The phrase “by trade” is derived from the Old English word “træd,” which means “a path or course of life.” This root word is also found in other words such as “tradition,” “trade,” and “trading.”

Example Sentences

1. John is a plumber by trade and has been working in the industry for over 20 years.
2. Mary is a chef by trade and owns her own restaurant.
3. Tom is a lawyer by trade, but he also enjoys writing novels in his spare time.
4. Sarah is a nurse by trade and is passionate about helping others.
5. Bob is a musician by trade and has been playing the guitar since he was a teenager.