The phrase "not by design" refers to something that was not intended or planned to happen. The correct spelling of this phrase can be further explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "not" is pronounced as /nɒt/ which rhymes with "thought". The next two words "by design" are pronounced as /baɪ dɪˈzaɪn/ with the stress on the second syllable of "design". The "i" in "design" is pronounced as /aɪ/ like in "eye". Together, the phrase is pronounced as "naht bai di-zyne".
The term "not by design" is an idiomatic phrase that refers to an event or situation that was not intentionally planned or created. It describes occurrences that happen by chance, accident, or coincidence rather than as a result of deliberate actions or intentions. The phrase emphasizes the absence of purposeful design or foresight in the development or outcome of a particular situation.
When something happens "not by design," it implies that there was no premeditated intention or deliberate effort to bring about the situation or event. It suggests that the outcome is unplanned, unforeseen, or even unintended. Instead, it often implies that the result is a product of circumstances or factors beyond one's control.
For instance, if someone accidentally stumbles upon a hidden treasure while searching for a lost item, they may say, "I discovered it not by design." This implies that their finding was a stroke of luck or a fortuitous occurrence, as they had no intention or foreknowledge of the treasure's existence.
In broader terms, "not by design" can also be used to describe unintended consequences, unintended actions, or unintended outcomes that occur naturally or spontaneously, without being actively pursued or anticipated. It conveys the notion that the specific event or situation could have turned out differently if it had been intentionally planned or designed.