devise

Everyday

1. To invent or plan something clever or new, usually after careful thinking: «devise a plan». tree →
2. (law, old) To leave property to someone in a will. tree →

In the lessons

In science and design lessons: pupils devise experiments, fair tests and models. In maths: devise a method or a strategy to solve a problem. In stories: heroes and villains devise schemes and escape plans. Phrases: «devise a plan», «devise a way to», «devise a test», «of your own devising».

Examples

• Devise a fair test to see which paper towel is strongest. tree →
• The children devised a plan to rescue the kitten. tree →
• Can you devise a quicker way to add these numbers? tree →
• The prisoner devised a clever escape. tree →
• Our class devised a new game for wet playtime. tree →
• Scientists devised a machine to clean the ocean. tree →
• The puzzle was of her own devising. tree →
• At last he devised a plan. tree →

Note

Verb ends in -ise in both British and American English (never «devize»). Do not confuse with the noun «device» (a machine or tool): «I devised a device». Pronounced dih-VIZE.

In Jewish tradition

Means to design skilful craftwork; it is said of Bezalel, who was filled with wisdom to make the Tabernacle's objects.

Interpretation. Tradition praises Bezalel as a gifted artist whose skill was given by God's spirit, to build the Tabernacle.

Examples

• to devise skilful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, (Torah EXO.31.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• And to devise skilful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, (Torah EXO.35.32, JPS 1917) tree →
• What do ye devise against the LORD? (Prophets NAM.1.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Shall they not go astray that devise evil? (Writings PRO.14.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• But mercy and truth shall be for them that devise good. (Writings PRO.14.22, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Verb ends in -ise in both British and American English (never «devize»). Do not confuse with the noun «device» (a machine or tool): «I devised a device». Pronounced dih-VIZE.