Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

by the book

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.40 in modern English

Syllables: by the -book
IPA

23

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

In a manner which strictly adheres to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.

prep_phrase

In a manner which appears too studied, ritualized, and therefore artificial.

Example Sentences

"As far as he is concerned, he umpired by the book."
"Romeo: Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again. They kiss again. Juliet: You kiss by th' book."

Inflected Forms

by-the-book (alternative)

Phrases

by the numbers according to Hoyle to the letter shipshape and Bristol fashion

Frequently Paired Words

by the numbers according to Hoyle legalism literalism proceduralism to the letter shipshape and Bristol fashion

Questions

What does by the book mean?: In a manner which strictly adheres to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.

How to pronounce by the book

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “by the book”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “by the book”.
Repeat and practice — Say “by the book” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.