scheme
scheme Lexical Profile
scheme Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British A large-scale, systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or putting a particular idea into effect.
"The city council launched a new recycling scheme to reduce household waste across the borough."
A secret, clever, or underhanded plan to achieve an often dishonest or self-serving goal.
"Regulators uncovered a fraudulent investment scheme that had defrauded hundreds of retirees."
An orderly combination, arrangement, or pattern of related elements, such as colors or rhymes.
"The interior designer chose a warm color scheme of terracotta, ochre, and cream for the living room."
• verb
To make secret, devious, or underhanded plans to achieve a selfish or illicit goal.
"The rival executives had been scheming for months to oust the company founder from the board."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British English, 'scheme' as a noun is neutral and commonly refers to official government or organizational programs (e.g., a 'pension scheme'), whereas in American English it almost always carries a negative connotation of a secretive or underhanded plot.
• Rhymes for scheme
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Late Latin 'schema' ('figure of speech' or 'posture'), which derives from Ancient Greek 'schēma' ('form, shape, or appearance'), from the root of 'echein' ('to have or hold').