devising

IPA/dɪˈvaɪz/
KK[dɪvˈaɪzɪŋ]IPA/dɪˈvaɪz/

devising — verb

  • devisingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • devisings3rd person singular
  • devisinging-ing form
  • devisingedpast simple

1. to create or think of something new, such as a method, piece of equipment, or st

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to create or think of something new, such as a method, piece of equipment, or strategy, by using careful thought and imagination

Example

The engineering team devised a clever way to cut energy costs at the factory.

devise + noun phrase (a clever way)

After months of public hearings, the committee devised a plan to improve city bus routes.

devise a plan — common collocation

Common collocations
  • devise a plan
  • devise a strategy
  • devise a method
  • devise a system
  • devise a way
  • carefully devised
  • specially devised
Synonyms
  • invent

    more focused on creating something completely new, often a physical object or machine

  • design

    emphasises drawing plans or specifications before building; more concrete than devise

  • create

    broader in meaning; can refer to both abstract and concrete things, and often carries a sense of artistry

  • formulate

    more formal; typically used for plans, policies, or theories developed through systematic thinking

Grammar Patterns

devise + noun phrase

Usage Note

Object is usually an abstract concept such as a plan, method, system, strategy, or tool — not a physical object like a building or a piece of furniture.

Common Mistakes

The architect devised the new library building.
The architect designed the new library building.
'devise' is for plans, systems, and methods, not for physical structures.
I need to devise a new phone.
I need to design a new phone.' or 'I need to invent a new phone.
'devise' emphasises the process of working out a plan, not the act of building a physical product.

devising — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

Devise, invent, design, and create all involve bringing something new into being, but they emphasise different stages and types of novelty. Devise focuses on the mental process of working out a plan or method through careful thought — a strategist devises a campaign, an engineer devises a solution. Invent highlights the moment of original creation, often of something that did not exist before, such as a new machine or product. Design emphasises the planning and drawing stage before construction, typically for physical objects or visual layouts. Create is the broadest term, covering both abstract and concrete making, and often carries an artistic or imaginative tone. For example, an architect designs a building (focus on plans), while an engineer devises a structural system to support it (focus on ingenuity). A writer creates a story, whereas a researcher devises a method to test a theory.

devise ↗invent ↗design ↗create ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • carefully devised
  • specially devised
  • newly devised
  • originally devised

Phrases

  • devise a means of
  • devise a way to

Prepositions

  • devise for
  • devise by

Etymology

LatinVulgar LatinOld FrenchAnglo-NormanEnglish

The word 'devising' comes from 'devise', which entered English through Old French 'deviser' — meaning to divide, arrange, or talk about. This Old French verb came from Vulgar Latin 'divisare', based on Latin 'dividere' (to divide). The earliest English meaning (13th century) was legal: to give property by will, as in 'dividing' one's assets. Over time, the broader meaning of 'to invent or plan' emerged from the sense of 'arranging' or 'working out' ideas.

First known use

13th century

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Noun