scheme
/skiːm/ (bre, ipa) · /skiːm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈskēm/ (ame, mw)
scheme — noun
1. a set of actions and methods that someone thinks up in secret, aimed at getting
a set of actions and methods that someone thinks up in secret, aimed at getting money, power, or some other benefit through lies, tricks, or by breaking rules. A typical example would be an investment scheme that promises very high returns but is designed only to collect people's money and give nothing back.
Hyun lost all his savings after putting money into a get-rich-quick scheme that turned out to be a complete fraud.
collocation: get-rich-quick scheme
The owner of the company was arrested for running an elaborate scheme to avoid paying taxes.
scheme + to-infinitive for dishonest purpose
A group of employees invented a ticket-reselling scheme that charged fans double the original price.
The police found evidence of a loan scheme that offered low rates but trapped people in impossible debts.
- plot
A plot is a secret plan made by a group of people, usually to do something harmful or illegal, and often involves a specific target such as a person or institution. A scheme can be run by one person and focuses more on personal gain.
- conspiracy
A conspiracy always involves multiple people secretly planning an illegal or harmful act, often against a government or authority. Stronger and more serious than scheme.
- scam
A scam is a dishonest plan specifically designed to cheat people out of money, usually through a fake business deal. More informal and narrower than scheme.
文法句型
scheme + to-infinitive
用法筆記
This sense carries a strong negative meaning. Almost always describes something dishonest or illegal, especially in reports about financial fraud. Frequently used in news headlines.
常見錯誤
2. a structured set of rules and procedures set up by a government department, a co
a structured set of rules and procedures set up by a government department, a company, or another large organization to provide a service or to deal with a particular need. For instance, a national pension scheme that ensures retired people receive regular payments from the state.
The government launched a health insurance scheme that covers all medical costs for children under twelve.
collocation: health insurance scheme
Felix joined his employer's pension scheme so that he would have a steady income after retiring.
collocation: pension scheme
The university runs a mentoring scheme where older students help new ones settle into campus life.
A city-wide bike-sharing scheme lets residents pick up a bicycle at one station and drop it off at another.
The bonus scheme at Sahil's company rewards workers who meet their monthly sales targets.
- program
Program is the preferred term in American English for official plans and is more general. A scheme often feels more specifically structured, while a program can be a broad set of activities.
- system
System is broader than scheme — it refers to any set of connected things that work together, not necessarily one that was formally designed as a plan.
- plan
Plan is the most general word. A scheme is a more formal or organized kind of plan, often with written rules.
用法筆記
Commonly neutral or positive in tone. Very frequent in British English for government programs; American English often prefers 'program' or 'system' in such contexts.
常見錯誤
scheme — verb
1. to think up a hidden course of action with the goal of gaining an advantage for
to think up a hidden course of action with the goal of gaining an advantage for yourself or causing harm to others, usually by working through a careful, step-by-step approach rather than by open force. A character in a novel might scheme to take over a family business by turning relatives against one another.
Tamar spent months scheming to become department head by claiming credit for work done by her colleagues.
scheme + to-infinitive for hidden ambition
In the television drama, the main villain schemes against the royal family, hoping to seize control of the throne.
scheme + against + noun phrase
Folake's co-workers did not trust her because they had noticed she was always scheming behind their backs.
The lawyer accused the other side of scheming to hide important documents from the court.
- plot
Plot often implies a more specific target (to murder, to overthrow) and can include both positive and negative contexts, though usually negative. Scheme suggests cunning calculation over a longer period.
- conspire
Conspire always involves multiple people working together secretly. Scheme can be done by one person alone.
- intrigue
Intrigue as a verb suggests complex, secret relationships and manoeuvring, often in political or social settings. More literary than scheme.
文法句型
scheme + to-infinitive
scheme + against + noun phrase
用法筆記
Usually describes behaviour that is disapproved of. Cannot be used in a neutral or positive way — a person who schemes is always being dishonest or self-serving. The continuous form 'scheming' is very common as a characterizing adjective: 'a scheming politician'.