devise
To invent or create a plan or solution
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to devise a strategy for entering the Asian market.”
Over coffee
“Let's devise a way to surprise her for her birthday.”
Why this word
create
devise emphasizes careful planning and invention of a method or solution, while create is broader for making anything
invent
devise focuses on planning and designing a strategy or system, while invent emphasizes originality of a physical thing or idea
develop
devise implies creating something through clever thinking and planning, while develop suggests gradual evolution or improvement
Usage tip
Implies creative problem-solving and planning; stronger than simply 'make' or 'create'
Etymology
Latin 'divisare' from 'dividere' (to divide, distribute)
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Related words
anticipate
To expect or predict something and prepare for it accordingly.
brainstorm
To generate creative ideas through group discussion
preempt
Take action to prevent something before it happens
proactive
Acting in advance to deal with expected situations
initiative
A new plan or action taken to achieve something
tentative
Not certain or fixed; provisional