Devise: meaning, definitions and examples

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devise

[dɪˈvaɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

create

To devise means to plan, invent, or create something, especially a complex system or mechanism. It often involves careful thought and creativity.

Synonyms

design, develop, formulate, invent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
devise	Use 'devise' when you want to talk about creating a plan or method with careful thought. The team devised a strategy to increase sales. She devised a clever plan to solve the problem.
design	Employ 'design' when discussing the process of creating something with a specific function or intention, usually in a graphical or structural manner. They are designing a new app for smartphones. The architect designed a modern skyscraper.
formulate	Choose 'formulate' when you need to describe the process of creating or expressing something in a careful and detailed way, especially theories or plans. The scientist formulated a new hypothesis. We need to formulate a response to the client's request.
develop	Utilize 'develop' when referring to the process of growth or improvement of something over time. The company is developing new software. She has developed her skills in painting.
invent	Use 'invent' when talking about creating something entirely new that has never existed before. Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. She invented a new recipe for delicious cookies.

Examples of usage

She devised a new marketing strategy for the company.
The engineers devised a solution to the technical problem.
He devised a clever way to remember all the important dates.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

law

In legal terms, a devise refers to a gift of real property made in a will. It is typically used to transfer land or real estate from one person to another after the owner's death.

Synonyms

bequest, inheritance, legacy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
devise	This is generally used in legal contexts, especially in wills and estates, to mean the transfer of real property like land or buildings to someone through a will. In his will, he devised his house to his nephew. The lawyer helped her devise a plan for asset distribution.
bequest	Used primarily in legal terms concerning the disposition of personal property or money through a will. She made a generous bequest to the local animal shelter. His bequests were quite substantial, benefiting several charities.
legacy	Often used to refer to something valuable passed down from a predecessor, not limited to physical assets but including reputation, culture, or knowledge. This can be used both positively and negatively. Her legacy as a pioneer in the industry remains unmatched. The scandal tarnished his legacy.
inheritance	This word broadly refers to receiving money, property, or titles after someone dies. It can be used in both legal and everyday contexts. She received a large inheritance from her grandmother. His inheritance included the family business.

Examples of usage

The will included a devise of the family estate to his eldest son.
She inherited the house through a devise in her grandmother's will.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'devise' comes from the Old French 'deviser', which meant to arrange or draw out.
Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'dividere', meaning to divide or distribute, hinting at the breaking down of ideas.
Over time, 'devise' evolved to mean not just to arrange but to invent or create something new.

Literature

Shakespeare frequently used the term 'devise' in his plays to imply clever planning or schemes among characters.
In many literary works, characters often devise elaborate plots, showing their cleverness or cunning nature.
Famous strategies in classic literature often highlight the concept of devising plans, like Odysseus's clever tricks in 'The Odyssey'.

Technology

In coding, to devise can mean formulating algorithms or methods for solving complex problems.
Many tech innovations begin with someone devising a unique concept to address a specific need or gap in the market.
The process of devising solutions to technical challenges is fundamental in fields like engineering and software development.

Psychology

The ability to devise solutions is linked to creative thinking and problem-solving skills in cognitive psychology.
Studies have shown that brainstorming techniques can enhance one's ability to devise innovative ideas.
Psychologists emphasize the importance of devising coping strategies for dealing with stress and challenges in life.

Pop Culture

In movies and TV shows, cunning characters are often depicted as devising plans to outsmart their enemies.
Popular heist films frequently revolve around a team devising a complex plan to pull off a major theft.
The idea of devising games and challenges features prominently in reality TV, where contestants must outthink each other.

Translations

Translations of the word "devise" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conceber

🇮🇳 विचार करना

🇩🇪 entwickeln

🇮🇩 merancang

🇺🇦 винаходити

🇵🇱 wymyślać

🇯🇵 考案する (こうあんする)

🇫🇷 concevoir

🇪🇸 idear

🇹🇷 tasarlamak

🇰🇷 고안하다

🇸🇦 يبتكر

🇨🇿 vymyslet

🇸🇰 vymyslieť

🇨🇳 设计 (shèjì)

🇸🇮 izumiti

🇮🇸 hugsa upp

🇰🇿 ойлап табу

🇬🇪 გამოგონება

🇦🇿 ixtira etmək

🇲🇽 idear

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,079 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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7076 inquired
7077 ounce
7078 arterial
7079 devise
7080 hammer
7081 lengthy
7082 examiner
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