The kanji 以 primarily conveys the meanings of "by means of," "because of," "with," "from," or "through." It often implies a starting point, a means, or a basis for something else. It suggests a cause, a reason, or a method.

・On-yomi (音読み): イ (i) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): None commonly used as a standalone word.

⚫︎以上 Translation: Above mentioned; the above; more than; the above-mentioned. ⚫︎以前 Translation: Before; ago; former; previous. ⚫︎以後 Translation: After; from now on; hereafter.

The kanji 以 originated as a pictograph. It depicts a person holding something, such as a tool or a weapon. Over time, it evolved to represent the idea of "using" or "by means of" the held object. The character's form has simplified over time, but the original meaning of using something as a means continues to be relevant.