Device vs. Devise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 25, 2024
A device is a tool or machine designed for a specific purpose, e.g., a smartphone, while devise refers to planning or inventing a procedure, system, or mechanism through careful thought.
Difference Between Device and Devise
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Key Differences
A device typically refers to a physical object created for a specific function, such as electronics, tools, or machines. These are tangible items like computers, kitchen gadgets, or medical equipment. On the other hand, devise is a verb that involves the process of planning or inventing something complex or intricate, such as a plan, a system, or a piece of equipment, often through the use of imagination and ingenuity.
Devices are often the outcome of the action to devise. For instance, the invention of a new technological gadget is the physical embodiment of someone's devised plan or concept. Whereas devising is the intellectual or conceptual phase in creating or inventing something, focusing more on the creative process and planning stage rather than the physical outcome.
In the context of legality and property, device has no direct relevance, whereas devise is a term used specifically in law to describe the act of bequeathing real property through a will. This specialized use of devise highlights how one term can have varied applications based on the context, showing no overlap with the term device in this instance.
Devices play a crucial role in everyday life by simplifying tasks, providing entertainment, and aiding in communication and work. They are concrete items that people interact with physically. Devise, however, plays a more conceptual role, indicating the mental effort behind the creation of plans, systems, or devices, highlighting the cognitive process behind innovations and solutions.
The evolution of devices over time showcases the advancement in technology and design, reflecting changes in societal needs and engineering capabilities. Conversely, the act of devising evolves with the complexity of problems and the sophistication of thought, demonstrating shifts in intellectual approaches and problem-solving strategies.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Tangible object, physical item.
Intangible process, action of planning or inventing.
Usage
Used to perform a specific function or task.
Used to refer to the act of creating or planning something.
Context
Technological, practical.
Conceptual, often used in creative or legal contexts.
Example Fields
Electronics, mechanics, medicine.
Engineering, law, literature.
Outcome
The physical product designed for use.
The plan or concept that might lead to a physical product.
Compare with Definitions
Device
An electronic apparatus or gadget.
My new cooking device can replace several kitchen appliances.
Devise
To think out or plan (something) by careful thought.
She devised a method to make the process faster.
Device
A plan, method, or trick with a particular aim.
She used a clever device to solve the puzzle.
Devise
To plan or invent a complex procedure, system, or mechanism.
The team devised a new strategy to increase efficiency.
Device
In patents, a particular apparatus or invention.
He filed a patent for his innovative gardening device.
Devise
In creative writing, to create or design a plot or character.
The playwright devised a compelling storyline for the play.
Device
A component in literature or art to achieve a particular effect.
The author's use of foreshadowing is a common literary device.
Devise
To bequeath real estate by a will.
He devised his entire estate to his children.
Device
A machine or tool made for a specific purpose.
The surgeon used a specialized device during the operation.
Devise
To form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles.
Inventors devise new technologies every day.
Device
A thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment
A measuring device
Devise
To form, plan, or arrange in the mind; design or contrive
Devised a new system for handling mail orders.
Device
A plan, method, or trick with a particular aim
Writing a letter to a newspaper is a traditional device for signalling dissent
Devise
(Law) To transmit or give (real property) by will.
Device
A drawing or design
The decorative device on the invitations
Devise
(Archaic) To suppose; imagine.
Device
An object designed and manufactured to perform one or more functions.
Devise
The act of transmitting or giving real property by will.
Device
A literary contrivance, such as parallelism or personification, used to achieve a particular effect.
Devise
The property or lands so transmitted or given.
Device
A decorative design, figure, or pattern, as one used in embroidery.
Devise
A will or clause in a will transmitting or giving real property.
Device
A graphic symbol or motto, especially in heraldry.
Devise
(transitive) To use one’s intellect to plan or design (something).
To devise an argument; to devise a machine, or a new system of writing
Device
A plan or scheme for accomplishing something
“Now Lydgate might have called at the warehouse, or might have written a message on a leaf of his pocket-book and left it at the door. Yet these simple devices apparently did not occur to him” (George Eliot).
Devise
(transitive) To leave (property) in a will.
Device
Any piece of equipment made for a particular purpose, especially a mechanical or electrical one.
Devise
To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider.
Device
(computer hardware) A peripheral device; an item of hardware.
Devise
To plan or scheme for; to plot to obtain.
Device
A project or scheme, often designed to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.
Devise
(obsolete) To imagine; to guess.
Device
(Ireland) An improvised explosive device, home-made bomb
Devise
The act of leaving real property in a will.
Device
(rhetoric) A technique that an author or speaker uses to evoke an emotional response in the audience; a rhetorical device.
Devise
Such a will, or a clause in such a will.
Device
(heraldry) A motto, emblem, or other mark used to distinguish the bearer from others. A device differs from a badge or cognizance primarily as it is a personal distinction, and not a badge borne by members of the same house successively.
Devise
The real property left in such a will.
Device
(archaic) Power of devising; invention; contrivance.
Devise
Design, devising.
Device
(legal) An image used in whole or in part as a trademark or service mark.
Devise
To form in the mind by new combinations of ideas, new applications of principles, or new arrangement of parts; to formulate by thought; to contrive; to excogitate; to invent; to plan; to scheme; as, to devise an engine, a new mode of writing, a plan of defense, or an argument.
To devise curious works.
Devising schemes to realize his ambitious views.
Device
(printing) An image or logo denoting official or proprietary authority or provenience.
Devise
To plan or scheme for; to purpose to obtain.
For wisdom is most riches; fools thereforeThey are which fortunes do by vows devise.
Device
(obsolete) A spectacle or show.
Devise
To say; to relate; to describe.
Device
(obsolete) Opinion; decision.
Devise
To imagine; to guess.
Device
That which is devised, or formed by design; a contrivance; an invention; a project; a scheme; often, a scheme to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.
His device in against Babylon, to destroy it.
Their recent device of demanding benevolences.
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty.
Devise
To give by will; - used of real estate; formerly, also, of chattels.
Device
Power of devising; invention; contrivance.
I must have instruments of my own device.
Devise
To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider.
I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer.
Device
An emblematic design, generally consisting of one or more figures with a motto, used apart from heraldic bearings to denote the historical situation, the ambition, or the desire of the person adopting it. See Cognizance.
Knights-errant used to distinguish themselves by devices on their shields.
A banner with this strange device -Excelsior.
Devise
The act of giving or disposing of real estate by will; - sometimes improperly applied to a bequest of personal estate.
Device
Anything fancifully conceived.
Devise
A will or testament, conveying real estate; the clause of a will making a gift of real property.
Fines upon devises were still exacted.
Device
A spectacle or show.
Devise
Property devised, or given by will.
Device
Opinion; decision.
Devise
Device. See Device.
Device
Any artifactual object designed to perform an action or process, with or without an operator in attendance.
Devise
A will disposing of real property
Device
An instrumentality invented for a particular purpose;
The device is small enough to wear on your wrist
A device intended to conserve water
Devise
(law) a gift of real property by will
Device
Something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect
Devise
Come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or priciple) after a mental effort;
Excogitate a way to measure the speed of light
Device
Any clever (deceptive) maneuver;
He would stoop to any device to win a point
Devise
Arrange by systematic planning and united effort;
Machinate a plot
Organize a strike
Devise a plan to take over the director's office
Device
Any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery)
Devise
Give by will, especially real property
Device
An emblematic design (especially in heraldry);
He was recognized by the device on his shield
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to devise something?
To devise something means to plan or invent it through careful thought or ingenuity.
What is a device?
A device is a physical tool, gadget, or machine designed for a specific purpose.
Can you give an example of devise in a legal context?
In a legal context, to devise means to bequeath real estate to someone through a will.
Is devising limited to physical products?
No, devising is not limited to physical products; it also applies to the creation of plans, strategies, and concepts.
Can a device be devised?
Yes, a device can be the result of devising, as the planning or invention stage often leads to the creation of a physical tool or system.
Is a computer a device or something you devise?
A computer is a device, being a physical electronic system designed for processing data.
How do devices impact daily life?
Devices simplify tasks, enhance entertainment, and facilitate communication and productivity, significantly impacting daily life.
How do legal definitions of devise affect inheritance?
Legal definitions of devise are crucial in inheritance, dictating how real property is transferred through wills.
What role does devising play in technology?
Devising plays a crucial role in technology, as it involves the conceptual and planning stages behind the creation of new gadgets, systems, or processes.
Can software be considered a device?
While software is not a physical device, it operates on devices and is designed for specific tasks or functions.
What’s the difference between inventing and devising?
Inventing often results in the creation of something completely new, whereas devising may involve planning or creating new systems, processes, or enhancements to existing ones.
What is an example of a medical device?
An example of a medical device is an MRI machine, used for imaging the interior of a human body.
How does one go about devising a new device?
Devising a new device involves identifying a need or problem, brainstorming solutions, and planning the design and functionality of the solution.
Are mobile phones considered devices?
Yes, mobile phones are considered devices, designed for communication and other functions.
Can devising be a collaborative process?
Yes, devising can be a collaborative process, involving teams in the planning and creative stages.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
