Word
devise
Phoneticsde·vise, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈvaɪs/
UK/dɪvˈaɪz/
Definitions
01to invent or plan
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to invent a new way of doing something or to plan a clever system.
v. to use one's intellect to plan, design, or formulate a complex system or method.
日本語:考える※
“The engineers had to devise a new way to keep the bridge stable during high winds.”
“The research team managed to devise a sophisticated algorithm that predicts market fluctuations with unprecedented accuracy.”
02a gift of property by will
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Technical · Formal
n. a gift of land or buildings that is left to someone in a will.
n. the act of disposing of real property by a will, or the specific clause or property so disposed.
“The lawyer explained that the devise of the house was subject to inheritance tax.”
“A specific devise of real property takes priority over general legacies if the estate's assets are insufficient to cover all debts.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “devise” in context.
Verb
01. devise method
“Engineers had to devise a method to extract the oil without damaging the surrounding environment.”
verb + noun
02. devise system
“The school decided to devise a system for tracking student progress more effectively.”
verb + noun
03. devise test
“Researchers need to devise a test that can accurately detect the virus in its early stages.”
verb + noun
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Pitfall
They devised of a plan.
They devised a plan.
Devise is transitive and should not be followed by the preposition 'of'.
Confusables
Device is the physical tool or object, while devise is the action of creating a plan or system.
RememberDevice = Equipment. Devise = Design.
Real-World Examples
“Colleges and universities have not yet figured out a way to respond, leaving teachers like me to devise our own responses.” “Rather than treating young people as an invading force, Detroit can build a partnership with them to devise a flexible, responsive and sustainable strategy that supports the whole community.” Etymology
PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English devisen, devysen, from Old French deviser, from Vulgar Latin devisō, from Latin dīvisō, frequentative of dīvidō.
From Middle French devise. Doublet of device.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/devise
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0