by way of (something)
1. Via a place, route, or mode of transportation. Patty is coming by way of train, and she's supposed to get here by 11. She doesn't have a direct flight—she's coming by way of Atlanta. We're sending this by way of air mail so it will reach you as quickly as possible.
2. As a method or means of doing something. When Paul arrived 30 minutes late, he complained about the traffic by way of explanation. In your essay, you must incorporate quotes from the book by way of supporting your argument. She waved her hand by way of dismissing us, and we sheepishly slunk out of her office.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
by way of something
1. passing through something (as a place); via something. He came home by way of Toledo. She went to the bank by way of the drugstore.
2. in illustration; as an example. By way of illustration, the professor drew a picture on the board. He read them a passage from Shakespeare by way of example.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
by way of
1. Through, via, as in I'm flying to Australia by way of Hawaii. [Mid-1400s]
2. As a means of, as in He paid our fares by way of apology. [Late 1300s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
by way of
1. Through; via: flew to the Far East by way of the polar route.
2. As a means of: made no comment by way of apology.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.