by design
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- Intentionally; deliberately; on purpose: The phrase "by design" means that something was done with prior planning, conscious intent, or as a result of a deliberate plan, rather than by accident or chance.
Usage
- "By design" is used to describe actions, outcomes, or features that are the result of conscious planning or intention.
- It often contrasts with phrases like "by accident" or "by chance."
- It can be used in various contexts, including technology, architecture, social systems, and everyday actions.
Examples
- Adverb:
- The software fails to connect to older systems by design, to encourage users to upgrade. (This failure is not a mistake; it was intentionally planned.)
- The garden feels wild and natural, but its beauty is entirely by design. (Its appearance is the result of careful planning, not neglect.)
- He arrived late to the meeting by design, wanting to make a dramatic entrance. (His lateness was deliberate.)
Advanced Usage
- "As by design": Used to emphasize that a characteristic or outcome is inherent to the planned structure.
- The process is slow and methodical as by design, ensuring maximum safety.
- "By design, not by accident": A common contrasting phrase to strongly emphasize intentionality.
- Our success was by design, not by accident; we followed a detailed strategy.
Variants and Related Words
- Designedly (adverb): In a designed manner; intentionally. (Formal/Less common)
- The comment was designedly offensive.
- By intention: A more formal synonym.
- Purposely / Deliberately / Intentionally (adverbs): Close synonyms for "by design" in the context of conscious action.
Synonyms
- Intentionally
- Deliberately
- On purpose
- Purposely
- Willfully
Antonyms
- By accident
- Unintentionally
- Inadvertently
- By chance
- Fortuitously
Related Phrases
- A design flaw: An unintended error or weakness in a plan or object. (This contrasts with something working "by design.")
- By default: What happens if no active choice is made; often contrasted with "by design."
- The application uses dark mode by design, but you can change it. The old version used it by default.
Adverb
- with intention; in an intentional manner
- he used that word intentionally
- I did this by choice