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

McGrath said the new law expected later this year would "recognise children as vulnerable consumers" and that minors "must be protected by design".

From Barron's • Jul. 9, 2026

The Portal Lounge is, by design, not your grandfather’s airport lounge.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

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

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

But “Never Be the Same” finds Thompson operating at an even higher level of craft than he has in the past, something that was by design.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

Rowan had never been an exceptional student—but that was by design.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

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