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Taro K
Taro K asked in Education & ReferenceWords & Wordplay · 11 months ago

What does "by" mean?

In the phrase "By 1990, how had the UN changed since it was founded?", does "by 1990" mean "on or before 1990?

Thanks 

5 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    11 months ago

    It means during the period ending, in this example 1990, but it could have been any other ending year chosen by the person who used the phrase.

  • Jake No Chat
    Lv 7
    11 months ago

    on or before 1990. that would be the intent of the question.

  • Anonymous
    11 months ago

    I think most accurate would be "as of."  Or even "during it's history."  Yes, "on or before 1990" is okay too.

  • Anonymous
    11 months ago

    Yes. But it implies "before" more than during 1990.  

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  • The Mikel
    Lv 7
    11 months ago

    "by" in this instance means "Up Until." (Prior or equal to).

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