by Jove

phrase

variants 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

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Cite this Entry

“By Jove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20Jove. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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