By a long way Meaning in English
expression
ˈbaɪ/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɫɔŋ/ /ˈweɪ
BY-uh-LAWNG-WAY
bˈaɪ/ /æɪ/ /lˈɒŋ/ /wˈeɪ
BY-uh-LONG-WAY
Definition
Used to say that one thing is much greater or better than something else by a large amount.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal phrase. Similar to 'by far', but 'by a long way' emphasizes the large difference. Commonly used with superlatives ('the best by a long way'). Rarely used in American English; more common in British and Australian English.
Spanish: por mucho - por lejosPortuguese (BR): de longe - disparadoPortuguese (PT): de longe - por larga margemChinese (Simplified): 远远地 - 大大地Chinese (Traditional): 遠遠地 - 大大地Hindi: बहुत ज्यादा - बहुत आगेArabic: بفارق كبير - بفارق شاسعBengali: অনেক বেশি - অনেক ব্যবধানেRussian: с большим отрывом - намногоJapanese: 断トツで - ずば抜けてVietnamese: vượt xa - hơn hẳnKorean: 압도적으로 - 훨씬Turkish: açık ara - farklaUrdu: بہت زیادہ فرق سے - بہت آگےIndonesian: dengan selisih besar - jauh sekali
Example Sentences
He is the fastest runner by a long way.
basic
This is the best movie by a long way.
basic
She scored higher than everyone else by a long way.
basic
Honestly, that's the best pizza I've ever had by a long way.
natural
Our team is leading the league by a long way this season.
natural
No one else even comes close to her talent—she’s ahead by a long way.
natural