by dint of
phrase

- as a result of something

- using the means or agency of

dint
noun

- a small hollow mark in the surface of something, caused by pressure or by being hit

The Cambridge Dictionary, Merriam-Webster

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PHRASE ORIGIN

The phrase "by dint of" has a fascinating etymology, that can be traced all the way back to 8th century Old Norse.

The single word “dint” is derived from Old English dynt, which means a blow or strike, especially one dealt in fighting. This comes from the Proto-Germanic duntiz, which meant “a blow” or “a kick” and is represented in Old Norse as dyntr.

By the 14th century, the phrase “by dint of” meant “by force of”, as in achieving something through physical power or effort. Over time, the phrase evolved to be used more broadly, losing its exclusive association with physical force.

By the 17th century, “by dint of” began to be used in a more figurative sense, coming to mean "because of" or “due to”,... as in today’s OWAD.

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BEYOND “BECAUSE”

What sets "by dint of" apart from commonplace synonyms is its ability to convey nuance.

Unlike "because of" or "as a result of”, it carries an air of formality and a subtle emphasis on the effort involved. When we say someone succeeded "by dint of hard work”, we paint a picture of relentless effort and unwavering determination.

In literature, academia, and formal discourse, “by dint of" offers stylistic variety, allowing writers and speakers to elevate their language and avoid repetition. Its slightly archaic flavour can lend gravitas to a statement or infuse a touch of elegance when needed.

In our age of brevity and simplification, "by dint of" stands as a counterpoint to concise language. Sometimes, the best way to convey an idea is by dint of a phrase that carries the weight of history.

Paul Smith

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SYNONYMS

as a consequence of, as a fruit of, as a result of, as an outcome of, as the upshot of, attributable to, because of, born from, by, BY DINT OF, by force of, by means of, by reason of, by the agency of, by virtue of, by way of, caused by, courtesy of, derived from, due to, emerging from, emanating from, ensuing from, flowing from, following from, growing out of, in consequence of, in light of, in the wake of, in view of, in virtue of, induced by, issuing from, occasioned by, on account of, on the back of, on the basis of, on the grounds of, on the heels of, on the strength of, out of, owing to, per, precipitated by, proceeding from, produced by, prompted by, resulting from, rising from, rooted in, spawned by, springing from, stemming from, thanks to, through (the agency of), triggered by, using, via, with the aid of, with the assistance of, with the help of, with the use of

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a sentence. Say something like:

“She achieved her dream job by DINT of relentless perseverance.”

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