Gadgets and Brainstorms: A Tale of Two Words

Device vs Devise

Let’s learn about two words that sound alike but mean different things: device and devise.

History

Both words come from old languages. Device comes from an old French word. Devise also comes from French but has a different meaning there.

Meaning and Usage

Device

Device is a thing you use to do something. It could be a tool, a machine, or something electronic.

Devise

Devise means to think of a plan or an idea.

Trick to Remember

Device has the word “ice” like something you can hold. Think of device as something you can hold in your hand.

Devise has an “s” for “solve.” When you devise, you are solving a problem by thinking.

Example Sentences

Device

• She bought a new device to help her cook.
• The phone is a very useful device.
• My favorite device is my tablet.
• You need a special device to open this door.
• He used a device to find his lost keys.

Devise

• We need to devise a plan for the project.
• She loves to devise new recipes.
• They will devise a way to solve the problem.
• He devised a game for the party.
• Can you devise a new method to clean faster?

Summary

Device is a thing you can use, like a tool or machine. Devise means to think of a plan or idea. Remember, device is something you can hold, and devise is something you do in your head.