Devise: meaning, definitions and examples

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devise

 

[ dɪˈvaɪz ]

Verb / Noun
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?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'devise' originated from the Old French word 'deviser', meaning 'to divide or distribute'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the concept of planning or inventing. The legal sense of the word 'devise' emerged in the context of wills and property transfers. Today, 'devise' is commonly used in various fields to describe the act of creating or planning something.

See also: devised.

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.