Confusing Words: Device (noun) and Devise (verb)
Meaning:
Device (a thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment.)
Devise (plan or invent (a complex procedure, system, or mechanism) by careful thought.)
Device vs Devise Clarification: The two words carry completely different meanings. They can not be used interchangeably although they are pronounced in a similar manner.
Device vs Devise – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
I come across with many people who made embarrassing mistake with these two words.
As you can see that there is only one-letter difference between device and devise. This is the reason for the confusion between them. Otherwise, both of these words are totally different from each other in terms of meanings as well as in function. Let me define them one by one.
Device
Device is used as a noun within a sentence. It is used to refer to a thing or a plan that is made for a specific purpose. Device is mainly used to refer to an electronic instrument i.e. phones, laptops, etc.
1. Before entering the examination hall, please switch off your all electronic devices.
2. We do need a device to connect Wi-Fi at home.
3. The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient. (Warren Buffett)
Devise
Devise is used as a verb within a sentence. It means to form or to invent an idea or a plan after a considerable thought.
1. We should devise an idea to get rid of this horrible place.
2. Architecture was the last of the major professions to devise a formal ‘cursus honorum’ before its practice could be undertaken. (Martin Filler)
Check Out: The Difference Between Disc and Disk.
Quiz
Get out of this confusion between device and devise by fill in the following blanks with the appropriate word.
1. Where are all the __________? (devices/devises)
2. No internet? There might be some problem in the _________. (device/devise)
3. They are about to ___________ their final project. (device/devise)
4. Any __________ that you want to declare? (devices/devises)
Answers at the end!
What Did You Learn?
It is concluded that device and devise are just one-letter apart. They are not interchangeable. So, you have to be careful with word choice. Device is a noun which is used to refer to something that is made for a specific purpose. Devise, on the other hand, is a verb which means to carefully invent an idea or a plan.
Answers: 1) devices. 2) device. 3) devise. 4) devises.