# dint

/ˈdɪnt/ (US) · /dˈɪnt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dint
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. by means of

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

used in the phrase 'by dint of' to mean achieving something through hard work or force.

For teachers: force or power; almost exclusively used in the fixed idiom 'by dint of' to indicate the means or agency by which something is achieved.

- He managed to pass the difficult exam by dint of hard work and long hours.
- She eventually secured the promotion by dint of sheer persistence and an unwavering commitment to the firm's long-term goals.

Usage: Always used in the construction 'by dint of' followed by a noun phrase.

### 2. a physical mark

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

a small mark or hollow area on a surface caused by a blow.

For teachers: an indentation or impression made by a blow or pressure.

- The old shield was covered in dints from many years of battle.
- The surface of the silver platter was marred by several small dints where it had been dropped on the stone floor.

### 3. to make a mark

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic

to make a small mark or hollow in a surface by hitting it.

For teachers: to make an indentation or dent in a surface.

- The falling rocks started to dint the roof of the small car.
- The heavy hail was large enough to dint the metal siding of the barn during the peak of the storm.

## Examples

- He succeeded by dint of hard work and determination.
- The team finally reached the summit by dint of sheer willpower after the storm delayed their progress.
- The scholar's reputation was built by dint of meticulous research and an unwavering commitment to academic integrity over several decades.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.