Jove

noun

Phrases
by Jove or less commonly by jove
chiefly British, old-fashioned + sometimes humorous
used interjectionally to express surprise or to add emphasis
By jove, Randal, how pleasant a thing is life in London!Edward Bulwer-Lytton
"By jove, Lily, you do look a stunner!"Edith Wharton
… I've made up my mind to one thing, and, by Jove, I'll stick to it.Anthony Trollope
They are not attractive … and nor are they particularly comfortable or cheap, but by Jove they work.Bryony Gordon
… a setting in which one fully expects to overhear such expletives as Egad! or By Jove! or Bully! …Hudson Bridges

Word History

Etymology

Latin Jov-, Juppiter

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Jove was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Jove

Cite this Entry

“Jove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jove. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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