devise
devise Lexical Profile
devise Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To plan or invent a complex procedure, system, or mechanism by careful thought.
"The engineering team worked late to devise a more efficient method for recycling industrial water."
To leave real estate to someone by the terms of a will (in law).
"She chose to devise the rural farmhouse and its surrounding acreage to the local land trust."
• noun
A clause in a will leaving real estate to someone, or the real property itself given in this way.
"The contested devise granted the family estate to the youngest nephew rather than the eldest son."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'devise' (usually a verb meaning to plan or invent, pronounced with a /z/ sound) with 'device' (a noun meaning a tool, gadget, or strategy, pronounced with an /s/ sound). As a noun, 'devise' is restricted strictly to legal contexts involving real estate.
• Rhymes for devise
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'deviser' (to divide, arrange, or plan), ultimately from Vulgar Latin '*divisare', a frequentative form of Latin 'dividere' (to divide).