device
device — noun
1. A tool or piece of equipment created to perform a specific job or function — for
A tool or piece of equipment created to perform a specific job or function — for example, a thermometer that measures body temperature or a pulley that lifts building materials.
Eve used a small device to check her blood pressure every morning.
device + to-infinitive for purpose
A simple pulley device lifts heavy boxes onto the delivery truck.
Kofi attached a tracking device to his bicycle in case it was stolen.
The new medical device helps doctors find broken bones without X-rays.
Takeshi invented a clever device that opens cans with one hand.
- tool
more general; a device is often more mechanical or electronic than a simple tool
- appliance
typically used for larger household or kitchen devices
- instrument
suggests precision or scientific use
- gadget
informal; suggests a small, cleverly designed device
文法句型
device + for + [gerund]
device + to + [infinitive]
2. A portable electronic item like a phone, tablet, or laptop that is able to go on
A portable electronic item like a phone, tablet, or laptop that is able to go online and hold information.
Adaeze keeps all her photos on a single device so she can find them quickly.
on a device
Many students now use a mobile device to take notes in class instead of paper.
mobile device
The library offers free Wi-Fi for any device that can connect to the internet.
Nila backed up her school files before switching to a newer device.
Vinícius downloaded a map app onto his device before the hiking trip.
文法句型
device + for + [gerund]
mobile / handheld / smart + device
用法筆記
In this sense, device is almost always preceded by a modifier such as mobile, smart, handheld, or electronic. Using device alone can feel vague in a technology context — specify the kind of device when possible.
常見錯誤
3. A method, technique, or way of using language that is designed to create a parti
A method, technique, or way of using language that is designed to create a particular effect, especially in writing, speeches, or art — for example, using a flashback in a film to create suspense.
The novelist uses the device of an unreliable narrator to keep readers guessing.
literary device: unreliable narrator
Karim made his speech more persuasive by repeating a key phrase as a device.
Flashbacks are a popular narrative device in films and novels.
Dewi learned three new rhetorical devices in her writing class today.
The director used a simple device — showing the same scene twice from different angles.
文法句型
literary / rhetorical / narrative + device
用法筆記
Often paired with an adjective that names the type of technique: literary device, rhetorical device, narrative device, or stylistic device. Distinguish from sense 1 (TOOL OR MACHINE) — this sense is always abstract, never a physical object.
4. An explosive object such as a bomb, made to detonate and harm people or property
An explosive object such as a bomb, made to detonate and harm people or property.
The police safely removed the device before anyone got hurt.
Eitan heard on the news that an explosive device was found near the train station.
explosive device
The soldiers were trained to identify and disarm any suspicious device.
A small explosive device damaged the entrance to the government building.
文法句型
explosive / incendiary + device
用法筆記
In news and official reports, this sense often appears with the modifier explosive or improvised (as in IED — Improvised Explosive Device). Using device alone in this context is understood as a euphemism for bomb.
5. A clever plan or trick designed to achieve something, often by deceiving or mani
A clever plan or trick designed to achieve something, often by deceiving or manipulating others — for example, pretending to be someone else in order to gain access to a building.
Christopher saw through his opponent's device and refused to be fooled.
see through a device
The con artist's device: pretend to need help while a partner takes the wallet.
The general used a device to make the enemy think his army was larger.
Karim's friends saw his apology was just a device to avoid getting into trouble.
文法句型
device for + [gerund]
用法筆記
This sense has a negative connotation — it implies dishonesty or manipulation. Distinguish from sense 3 (METHOD OR TECHNIQUE), which is neutral or artistic. If the trick is harmless or playful, use trick instead.