Definition of: "by dint of" with explanation and origin
Definition of: by dint of with explanation and origin? Meaning of by dint of with examples in English idiom dictionary.
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Definition of: "by dint of" with explanation and origin
by dint of
by dint of
Meaning
- as a result of something
- If you attain an outcome by dint of a thing, you reach it as a result of that thing.
Example Sentences
- He triumphs by dint of his persistence.
- He has obtained an advisory group by dint of his threat to quit.
- I believe you know, that by dint of interrogation, I might have proved it pretty quickly.
- Sean achieved what he desired by dint of pleading and intimidation.
- Paul got what he wanted by dint of requesting and bullying.
Origin
“Dint” has become an out-of-date term that exists only because of this comment. “Dint” is derived from the Old English word “dynt.” In modern English, the expression has been shortened to “dent.” How did the meaning of “dint” come to signify “as a result of”? This is accomplished by simply using the oldest form of the term, “by the sword,” which was used to describe when a result was gained via the use of force. This is an archaic use that dates back to the 14th century when it was mentioned in Rouland’s tales in 1330. It took decades for the phrase “by dint of” to be used outside of the context of swordplay.
Synonyms
- by means of
- due to
- using
- as a result
The Origins of by dint of
AssortedEnglish
Related Dictionary
- English Definition & Meaning Dictionary
- English Idioms and phrases Dictionary
- Dictionnaire Français
- Dictionnaire d'expressions idiomatiques et de phrases en français
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English Idioms and phrases
An idiom is a common word or phrase with a figurative, non-literal meaning that is understood culturally and differs from what its composite words' denotations would suggest; i.e. the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words (although some idioms do retain their literal meanings – see the example "kick the bucket" below). By another definition, an idiom is a speech form or an expression of a given language that is peculiar to itself grammatically or cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its elements.[3] For example, an English speaker would understand the phrase "kick the bucket" to mean "to die" – and also to actually kick a bucket. Furthermore, they would understand when each meaning is being used in context.
To evoke the desired effect in the listener, idioms require a precise replication of the phrase: not even articles can be used interchangeably (e.g. "kick a bucket" only retains the literal meaning of the phrase but not the idiomatic meaning).
Idioms should not be confused with other figures of speech such as metaphors, which evoke an image by use of implicit comparisons (e.g., "the man of steel"); similes, which evoke an image by use of explicit comparisons (e.g., "faster than a speeding bullet"); or hyperbole, which exaggerates an image beyond truthfulness (e.g., "more powerful than a locomotive"). Idioms are also not to be confused with proverbs, which are simple sayings that express a truth based on common sense or practical experience.
