by design

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

The student body was diverse by design, selected from the Gainesville area by a lottery.

From New York Times

The transition process is still unconventional by design, but so far it is far more behind the scenes than in 2016.

From BBC

He says his campaign is “grassroots” by design, aimed at winning over local Democratic organizations and undecideds through small town halls and phone banking with voters wary of Hochman’s political past.

From Los Angeles Times

Asking if someone is a member is “actually the wrong question,” she said, “based on a misunderstanding about how ideas and social movements work. The NAR is incredibly diffuse by design.”

From Salon

At the heart of this row is a simple truth of physics - nuclear power plants, by design, get hot.

From BBC

Related Words

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