by and by

== English == === Alternative forms === by-and-by by and bye (dated) byemby, byembye (eye dialect; 19th to early 20th century) === Etymology === From Middle English by and by (“side by side, close together, alongside, on and on, continually, again and again, repeatedly”), equivalent to by +‎ and +‎ by. === Adverb === by and by (not comparable) After a short time. a. 1822, Percy Bysshe Shelley "On the Symposium, or Preface to the Banquet of Plato" "You are laughing at me, Socrates," said Agathon, "but you and I will decide this controversy about wisdom by and by, taking Bacchus for our judge. At present turn to your supper." After an indefinite period. (obsolete) Immediately; at once. ==== Usage notes ==== The meaning of the term has changed from referring to a "near" time (by) to a vaguer range of times, possibly influenced by the use of the term as a noun to refer to the hereafter. ==== Synonyms ==== (after a short time): shortly, soon; see also Thesaurus:soon (after an indefinite period): in due course, sooner or later; see also Thesaurus:eventually (immediately): now, stat; see also Thesaurus:immediately ==== Descendants ==== Australian Kriol: bambai Bislama: bambae Hawaiian Creole: bumbai Tok Pisin: baimbai ==== Translations ==== === Noun === by and by (uncountable) Heaven; the hereafter. Usually preceded with "the sweet." ==== Synonyms ==== other side, spirit world, sweet hereafter: see also Thesaurus:afterlife ==== Translations ====