by design

Idioms  

1. On purpose, deliberately, as in Whether by luck or by design, his application was accepted. This term, originally put as on design, uses design in the sense of “plan.” [First half of 1600s]

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Example Sentences

But you wouldn’t know this — the packaging is left unmarked by design.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

"Clinical trials are the gold standard, but by design, they are slow," says Guntuku.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

Groups including Shelter Scotland and the Scottish Refugee Council have described the current approach as "homelessness by design" because they say the time provided to find a job or new housing is too short.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

It’s not by design — I like playing with people.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

He had come to this tower-keep by chance, and yet the chance was all design; or he had come by design and yet all the design had merely chanced to come about.

From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Related Words

• consciously
• knowingly
• pointedly
• purposely
• studiously
• voluntarily
• willfully