Device is a noun: a tool, a gadget, and also a technique, as in a literary device. Devise is a verb: work out a plan, a method or a system. They sound different: device ends in an s sound, devise ends in a z sound, just like advice and advise.
device or devise — can you pick the right one?
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a device for doing something; devise a plan/method/system; devised, devising
- The device measures how much water each plant receives.
- The gardeners devised a simple system for collecting rainwater.
- Repetition is a literary device that can draw attention to an important idea.
What changed
First versionWe need to device a safer way to store the tools.
RevisionWe need to devise a safer way to store the tools.
Device is a familiar word from the world of gadgets, so it comes out by habit. But after need to you need a verb, and come up with a way is devise. One letter changes both the part of speech and the final sound.
Invent means create something new, especially an object: invent a machine. Devise means work out how to do something: devise a plan, a method, a system. And a device doesn't have to be electronic: a lock, a mechanism, a repeated line in a poem are all devices too.
Your turn
Choose the verb: Can you ___ a system that uses less paper?
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devise — After can you need the verb meaning come up with, so devise. Device is a noun, a tool or gadget.
Describe a method you came up with to solve an everyday problem. Use devise.
The volunteers devised a colour-coded system to return tools to the correct shelves.
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