bystanders
|by/stand/ers|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈbaɪˌstændərz/
🇬🇧
/ˈbaɪˌstændəz/
(bystander)
observer
Etymology
Etymology Information
'bystander' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'standan,' where 'by-' meant 'near' and 'standan' meant 'to stand.'
Historical Evolution
'standan' transformed into the modern English word 'stand,' and eventually became 'bystander' through the addition of the prefix 'by-' to indicate proximity.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'someone standing nearby,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person present but not involved.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part.
The bystanders watched as the firefighters put out the blaze.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42