By dint of

Definitions

• because of
  To indicate that something happened or was achieved as a result of a great amount of effort or hard work, often in overcoming obstacles or challenges

• through the use of
  To indicate that something was accomplished or obtained through the application of skill, strength, or determination

Examples of By dint of

Conclusion

The idiom "by dint of" is commonly used to convey the idea of something being accomplished or achieved through great effort or hard work. It can also imply that the results were obtained through the use of skill, strength, or determination. In both cases, the idiom suggests that the outcome was not easily attained and required significant perseverance.

Origin of "By dint of"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Middle English phrase "by dint," which meant "by force" or "by means of." The word "dint" comes from the Old English word "dynt," meaning "blow" or "stroke." This reflects the physical effort and determination implied in the idiom's usage.

Over time, the phrase evolved to include the word "of," resulting in the modern form "by dint of." This change may have been influenced by the phrase "by dint of arms," which was used in the 16th century to mean "by means of weapons." This usage could have contributed to the idiom's current meaning of achieving something through the use of skill or strength.

Examples of the phrase "by dint of" can be found in literature dating back to the 17th century, such as in the works of William Shakespeare and John Dryden. It continues to be commonly used in both spoken and written English today, highlighting the lasting impact of this idiom and its origins.