What is devise? Pronunciation and usage in English

devise means . Learn how to pronounce and use devise through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of devise

deviseverb

/dɪˈvaɪz//dɪˈvaɪz/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "devise." It's a tricky one for many English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • dee-VAYS

Let's break that down further:

  • dee: As in "deep"
  • VAYS: Rhymes with "days" or "ways." The emphasis is on the "V" sound.

Here's a more detailed breakdown with phonetic symbols (for those who like it):

/dɪˈvaɪz/

  • dɪ: As in "dish"
  • ˈvaɪz: This is the stressed syllable. "V" is pronounced clearly, and the "i" is a long "i" sound (like in "eye").

Tips to help you:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using "devise"?

Usage and examples with the word devise in English

Let's break down how to use the word "devise" effectively in English. It's a slightly more formal word than "come up with" or "create," and it carries a strong sense of careful planning and design.

1. Core Meaning:

  • To plan or invent (a plan, method, or system). This is the primary meaning. It implies a deliberate and often complex process of creation.

2. Parts of Speech & Usage:

  • Verb (most common): This is how you'll use it most often.
    • Example: "The engineers devised a new system for managing traffic flow." (They carefully planned and built a new system.)
    • Example: "The company devised a marketing strategy to increase sales." (They developed a detailed plan.)
    • Example: "He devised a clever solution to the problem." (He engineered a thoughtful answer.)

3. Common Phrases & Structures:

  • "Devise a plan for..." – To create a strategy.
    • Example: "We need to devise a plan for launching the new product."
  • "Devise a method for..." – To create a technique or way of doing something.
    • Example: "The scientists devised a method for detecting early signs of cancer."
  • "Devise a strategy..." – To create a plan of action.
    • Example: "The negotiator devised a strategy to resolve the dispute."
  • "Devise (something) carefully" – Indicates a deliberate and thoughtful process.
    • Example: “She devised the design of the building carefully, considering both aesthetics and functionality."

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Plan
  • Design
  • Create
  • Formulate
  • Invent
  • Construct
  • Develop

5. Nuances & Connotations:

  • "Devise" suggests a higher level of sophistication and intentionality than simply "think of" or "make." It implies a structured approach.
  • It often suggests a problem-solving context.

6. Examples in Different Contexts:

  • Business: "The CEO devised a new business model to compete in the global market."
  • Science: "The researchers devised an experiment to test their hypothesis."
  • Literature/Drama: "The playwright devised a complex plot with many twists and turns."
  • Everyday Life: "My son devised a clever way to get extra screen time." (Here, it implies a well-thought-out, slightly sneaky plan!)

Let's test your understanding:

Which of these sentences uses "devise" correctly?

a) "Let's devise a way to get to the park." b) "The team devised a plan to improve customer satisfaction." c) "She devised a new recipe for cookies."

Answer: b) is the best choice. It accurately conveys the idea of carefully creating a plan. While 'a' isn't wrong to say, “devise” sounds more appropriate when discussing a more considered process. ‘c’ uses ‘devise’, but is often better suited to using words like ‘create’ or ‘make’.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how "devise" differs from a similar word (like "create")?
  • Provide a sentence incorporating "devise" in a specific context (e.g., a business scenario)?

Synonyms for the word devise

Practice with vocabulary devise

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The security experts were tasked to ____ a robust protocol to prevent cyberattacks.
  2. Our research team is working hard to ____ a novel method for sustainable energy production.
  3. The project manager decided to ____ weekly meetings to ensure everyone was updated on progress.
  4. It's crucial to ____ clear guidelines for data privacy before launching the new platform.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. After several failed attempts, the scientists managed to ____ a revolutionary experimental procedure. A) conceive B) execute C) devise D) implement E) formulate

  2. The government is working to ____ new policies to address the housing crisis. A) legislate B) introduce C) devise D) implement E) establish

  3. To address the logistical challenges, the operations manager decided to ____ a more streamlined distribution network. A) conceptualize B) devise C) organize D) innovate E) design

  4. The artisan carefully ____ the intricate details onto the ceramic vase. A) sculpted B) carved C) crafted D) adorned E) etched

  5. Before making a decision, we need to ____ all available information about the market trends. A) analyze B) gather C) synthesize D) scrutinize E) compile

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team came up with a new way to process data more quickly and accurately. Rewrite using "devise":
  2. They brainstormed and created an effective strategy to reduce energy consumption in the building. Rewrite using "devise":
  3. During their exploration, the archaeologists unearthed an ancient artifact. Rewrite without using "devise":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. devise
  2. devise
  3. hold
  4. establish

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) devise, E) formulate
  2. C) devise, E) establish
  3. B) devise, E) design
  4. A) sculpted, B) carved, C) crafted, E) etched
  5. A) analyze, B) gather, C) synthesize, D) scrutinize, E) compile

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team managed to devise a new system for processing data more quickly and accurately.
  2. They devised an effective strategy to reduce energy consumption in the building.
  3. During their exploration, the archaeologists uncovered an ancient artifact.

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