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

See Examples For:

by design

The galette, which is essentially a freeform pie, is already one of the great weeknight forms — sweet or savory, rustic by design, deeply forgiving.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

But that is by design, said INRIA's Serena Ivaldi, as the robots "have to act in human environments" without startling the people they help.

From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026

This outcome is by design: The law gives priority to children with disabilities and lower incomes, and a $1 billion funding cap means the program won’t reach other tiers of applicants.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

“Valuation is now capturing formerly high-multiple growth stocks at more attractive multiples by design, not just ‘old economy’ companies,” Subramanian said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026

As if by design, they both stopped at the same spot, above the half-submerged, rooty clump of a fallen tree.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli

Related Words

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