What’s the difference between device and devise?
Devise is a verb meaning “to invent or plan”. Device is a noun that refers to “an object or a piece of equipment that has been designed to do a particular job”. Device may aid in devising.
Scientists devised a new method.
The device is used for measuring temperature.
They device a plan.
He used a devise to open the door.
The distinction between them is clearer in context:
The new devices will be installed at US airports.
A new system has been devised to control traffic in the city.
“Devise” / “device”, used in sentences
| Examples: “devise” used in sentences |
|---|
| Scientists have devised a method of recycling the contaminated oil.
We must devise a new system for dealing with complaints. |
| Examples: “device” used in sentences |
|---|
| The new devices will be installed at US airports.
We now have electrical labour-saving devices around the home. This device allows deaf people to communicate by typing messages instead of speaking. |
Devise, synonyms
- arrange
- come up with
- concoct
- construct
- craft
- create
- design
- discover
- forge
- formulate
- hatch
- invent
The difference, ‘devise’ (verb) has an ‘s’ like ‘plans’ (an action). ‘Device’ (noun) has a ‘c’ like ‘contraption’ (a thing).
Device, synonyms
- accessory
- apparatus
- appliance
- equipment
- gadget
- gear
- machine
- material
- mechanism
Word origin (of device/devise)
Early 13c., devisen, “to form, fashion;” c. 1300, “to plan, contrive, think or study out, elaborate in the mind,” from Old French deviser “dispose in portions, arrange, plan, contrive” (in Modern French, “to chat, gossip”), from Vulgar Latin *divisare.
Read about other misused words
| Commonly misused words | UK English vs. US English |
|---|---|
| former vs. latter | burned or burnt? |
| bear with vs. bare with | color or colour? |
| breathe or breath | favorite vs. favourite |
| compliment vs. complement | smelled or smelt? |
| effect vs. affect | gray or grey? |
| elude or allude | favor vs. favour |
| it’s or its | analyze or analyse? |
Sources
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionary on “devise” and “device”. Accessed 7 April, 2024.
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of device.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/device. Accessed 7 April, 2024.
Work Sheet
According to the post, what does the word “devise” mean?
What part of speech is the word “device”?
Which of these sentences is grammatically correct according to the post?
The study tip suggests “devise” has an ‘s’ like what other word?
The study tip suggests “device” has a ‘c’ like what other word?
Scientists have a method of recycling the contaminated oil.
The new will be installed at US airports.
We must a new system for dealing with complaints.
This allows deaf people to communicate by typing messages.
A new system has been to control traffic in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What part of speech is “devise”?
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What part of speech is “device”?
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How should I use “devise”?
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How should I use “device”?
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How can I tell “devise” vs “device” apart?
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Yash, D. "Devise or Device? (Meaning, Usage)." Grammarflex, Jun 7, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/devise-or-device-meaning-usage/.
