Devise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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devise
[dɪˈvaɪz ]
Definitions
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.
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| design |
Employ 'design' when discussing the process of creating something with a specific function or intention, usually in a graphical or structural manner.
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| 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.
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| develop |
Utilize 'develop' when referring to the process of growth or improvement of something over time.
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| invent |
Use 'invent' when talking about creating something entirely new that has never existed before.
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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.
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
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.
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| bequest |
Used primarily in legal terms concerning the disposition of personal property or money through a will.
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| 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.
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| inheritance |
This word broadly refers to receiving money, property, or titles after someone dies. It can be used in both legal and everyday contexts.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'devise'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
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.