byname

IPA

The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

Dictionary definition of byname

An additional or alternative name given to a person, often as a descriptive or informal term.
"In medieval times, knights were often referred to by their bynames."

Detailed meaning of byname

It is a secondary name used to identify or differentiate someone, typically based on a particular characteristic, attribute, or association. A byname can be a nickname, a sobriquet, or an epithet that provides additional information about the person or serves as a substitute for their given name. By using a byname, individuals may highlight a notable quality, occupation, place of origin, or physical feature. Byname usage can be cultural or regional, arising from specific communities or historical periods. It offers a way to create familiarity, communicate distinctiveness, or emphasize a particular aspect of someone's identity beyond their formal name.

Example sentences containing byname

1. "The Great One" was a byname given to the legendary hockey player.
2. The comedian's hilarious byname earned him a dedicated following.
3. "The King of Pop" was a byname commonly associated with Michael Jackson.
4. The boxer's intimidating byname struck fear into his opponents.
5. Vikings were known to have bynames based on their exploits or accomplishments.
6. The detective had a mysterious byname that added to her allure.

History and etymology of byname

The noun 'byname' has an etymology rooted in the Old English language. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'bīnama,' which is a combination of 'bī' (meaning 'by' or 'secondary') and 'nama' (meaning 'name'). In Old English, a 'byname' referred to an additional or secondary name given to a person, often for descriptive or informal purposes. These secondary names were typically used to provide more context or information about an individual, such as their occupation, physical characteristics, or place of origin. Over time, the term 'byname' evolved into the modern sense of an alternative or informal name used to distinguish or describe a person, reflecting its historical origins in the rich linguistic heritage of Old English.

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Further usage examples of byname

1. The singer adopted a byname that reflected her rebellious image.
2. Native American tribes often had bynames for their leaders.
3. The author's byname was synonymous with his bestselling fantasy novels.
4. "The Iron Lady" was the byname given to the influential female politician.
5. Pirates were notorious for using bynames that struck fear into their victims.
6. "The Rock" is a well-known byname for Dwayne Johnson.
7. Her byname "Red" comes from her fiery hair.
8. "The Bard" is a famous byname for William Shakespeare.
9. He earned the byname "Einstein" for his genius.
10. "The King of Pop" was a byname for Michael Jackson.
11. His byname "Gentle Giant" suited his kind personality.
12. "The Iron Lady" was Margaret Thatcher's byname.
13. In sports, "GOAT" is often used as a byname for the greatest.
14. "The Father of Modern Physics" is a byname for Einstein.
15. "Scarface" is a byname for the infamous Al Capone.
16. Her byname "Smiley" reflects her cheerful demeanor.
17. "The Queen of Soul" was a byname for Aretha Franklin.
18. He earned the byname "Rocket Man" for his speed.
19. "The Little Tramp" was a byname for Charlie Chaplin.
20. "The Great Emancipator" is a byname for Abraham Lincoln.
21. "The Dark Knight" is a byname for Batman.
22. He's known by the byname "The Wizard" in the gaming world.
23. "The Fab Four" is a famous byname for The Beatles.
24. "The Man of Steel" is a byname for Superman.
25. "The Queen of Pop" is a byname for Madonna.