Devise — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /di-ˈvīz/ de·vise

Meaning & Definition of Devise

Devise (verb)

  1. to form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles, invent
  2. conceive, imagine
  3. to plan to obtain or bring about, plot

Devise (noun)

  1. the act of giving or disposing of real property by will
  2. a will or clause of a will disposing of real property
  3. property devised by will

Devise (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to create or think of by clever use of the imagination

    "she quickly devised a new scheme when the first one failed"

    similar: concoct, construct, contrive, cook (up), drum up, excogitate, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, think (up), trump up, vamp (up), come up with
    related: coin, design, hatch, produce, daydream, dream, fantasize, conceive, envisage, envision, imagine, picture, vision, visualize, ad-lib, extemporize, improvise
    near: clone, copy, copycat, duplicate, imitate, mimic, reduplicate, replicate, reproduce

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Devise

The most common words with a similar meaning to Devise:

concoct, construct, contrive, cook (up), drum up, excogitate, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, think (up), trump up, vamp (up), come up with

Related Words for Devise

coin, design, hatch, produce, daydream, dream, fantasize, conceive, envisage, envision, imagine, picture, vision, visualize, ad-lib, extemporize, improvise

Near Antonyms of Devise

clone, copy, copycat, duplicate, imitate, mimic, reduplicate, replicate, reproduce

Word Forms of Devise

Inflections: devised, devising

Derived words: devisable (adjective), deviser (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Devise

Middle English, from Anglo-French deviser, diviser, to divide, distinguish, invent, from Vulgar Latin *divisare, frequentative of Latin dividere to divide

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Devise

Frequently Asked Questions about Devise

What does "Devise" mean?

"Devise" means to form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles, invent. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles, invent.

What is another word for "Devise"?

Other words for "Devise" include concoct, construct, contrive, cook (up), drum up, excogitate, fabricate and invent. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Devise" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Devise"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Devise". Common alternatives include concoct, construct, contrive, cook (up), drum up, excogitate, fabricate, invent, make up and manufacture.

How do you use "Devise" in a sentence?

Examples of "Devise" in a sentence: "she quickly devised a new scheme when the first one failed".

Is "Devise" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Devise" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Devise" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Devise" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Devise"?

"Devise" is pronounced /di-ˈvīz/ and divided into syllables as de·vise.

What is the origin of the word "Devise"?

"Devise" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French deviser, diviser, to divide, distinguish, invent, from Vulgar Latin *divisare, frequentative of Latin dividere to divide. First known use: 13th century.