verb
Uncommon
devise
dih-VYZ
Devise (verb) means to work out or invent a plan, method, or system through careful thought. Example: “The team devised a new way to cut delivery times in half.”
verb
1
To work out or invent a plan, method, or system through careful thought.
"The team devised a new way to cut delivery times in half."
"She devised a simple test to check whether the code actually worked."
2
To leave real estate to someone in a will.
"He devised the family farm to his eldest daughter."
How to use devise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo think up and plan something, or (in law) to leave property to someone in your will.
Common mistake
"Devise" is the verb (to invent/plan or to bequeath); "device" is the noun (the thing invented). Don't swap the spellings.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
devise a plan
devise a scheme
devise a strategy
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Word forms
- Plural
- devises
- Third person singular
- devises
- Past tense
- devised
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The team _____ a new way to cut delivery times in half.
Etymology
From Old French deviser, ultimately from Latin dīvidere, "to divide" — the sense narrowed from "to arrange, plan" toward "to invent" and, separately, its legal meaning of bequeathing property.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for devise
See all rhymes for devise →Frequently asked questions
What does “devise” mean?
The word “devise” means to work out or invent a plan, method, or system through careful thought. In plain terms, to think up and plan something, or (in law) to leave property to someone in your will.
How do you pronounce “devise”?
“Devise” is pronounced dih-VYZ (/dɪˈvaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “devise” in a sentence?
Here is “devise” used in a sentence: “The team devised a new way to cut delivery times in half.”
What part of speech is “devise”?
“Devise” is a verb.
Where does the word “devise” come from?
The word “devise” comes from Latin. From Old French deviser, ultimately from Latin dīvidere, "to divide" — the sense narrowed from "to arrange, plan" toward "to invent" and, separately, its legal meaning of bequeathing property.
Is “devise” a common word?
“Devise” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “devise” have?
“Devise” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to work out or invent a plan, method, or system through careful thought.
