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bystander — a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbaɪˌstændər/

Example Sentences

  • The superhero accidentally knocked over an innocent bystander while chasing the villain.
  • Don't just be a bystander when someone needs help.
  • The bystander became famous after his reaction went viral on social media.

bystander

NOUN

[/ˈbaɪˌstændər/]

a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part

a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part
💡 Concept

a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part

From insider to outsider, the bystander must decide!
🎵 Rhyme

From insider to outsider, the bystander must decide!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈbaɪˌstændər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈbaɪˌstændə(r)/

🌳Etymology

Rootstand
Suffix--er

Origin

The word developed in the 17th century from the combination of 'by' (meaning beside or near) and 'stand' (meaning to be in an upright position). It originally referred to a person standing nearby, and evolved to mean a person present at an event but not directly involved in it.

Breakdown

by- (beside, near) + stand (be upright) + -er (one who does). The compound literally describes someone standing by or beside a situation.

🎵Rhyme

outsider
insider
provider

🔗Collocations

innocent bystander
bystander effect
curious bystander
passive bystander
mere bystander

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The superhero accidentally knocked over an innocent bystander while chasing the villain.”

“Don't just be a bystander when someone needs help.”

😄 Fun example

“The bystander became famous after his reaction went viral on social media.”

“Police questioned several bystanders who witnessed the accident.”

📚Related Words

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