Invent vs. Devise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 1, 2024
"Invent" involves creating something completely new or novel, focusing on originality and innovation, while "devise" implies planning or arranging existing ideas or methods into a new format or solution.
Difference Between Invent and Devise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
To invent something means to come up with a completely new product, idea, or method that has not existed before, often requiring innovation and creativity. In contrast, to devise is to construct or plan something, usually by using existing elements in a new way or for a new purpose.
When one invents, the outcome is typically a tangible or intangible innovation such as a new gadget or a scientific theory. Whereas devising often results in strategies, plans, or complex thoughts structured to solve specific problems or address certain needs.
In the process of invention, the emphasis is often on the novelty and usability of the final product in domains such as technology, science, or art. On the other hand, devising focuses more on the application of known elements in novel configurations, emphasizing strategic thought and planning.
The term "invent" carries a connotation of creativity and groundbreaking work, highlighting a significant leap in thinking or technology. Meanwhile, "devise" suggests a careful, perhaps more methodical approach to problem-solving, where the sequence and structure play critical roles.
In patent law, inventions must meet criteria like novelty, non-obviousness, and utility, making them subject to legal protection. Devised plans or methods, while they can be innovative, often do not qualify for such protections unless they manifest as unique inventions themselves.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Create something new and original
Plan or arrange in a novel way
Focus
Novelty and innovation
Use of existing ideas or methods
Outcome
New products, ideas, methods
Plans, strategies, configurations
Emphasis
Creativity and breakthrough
Strategic thought and application
Legal Protection
Patentable if it meets criteria
Generally not patentable
Compare with Definitions
Invent
Create something entirely new.
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.
Devise
Create using existing elements.
She devised a new recipe using traditional ingredients.
Invent
Formulate a new idea.
She invented a new method to improve efficiency.
Devise
Plan or arrange methodically.
They devised a marketing strategy that increased sales.
Invent
Develop a novel product.
The company invented a new type of battery.
Devise
Formulate a detailed plan.
The engineer devised a complex blueprint for the new bridge.
Invent
Generate a unique solution.
He invented a new algorithm for data encryption.
Devise
Think up a solution to a problem.
He devised a way to use less energy in the factory.
Invent
Conceive a groundbreaking concept.
The scientist invented a theory that challenged traditional beliefs.
Devise
Construct a scheme or plot.
The novelist devised a thrilling plot twist.
Invent
To produce or contrive (something previously unknown) by the use of ingenuity or imagination.
Devise
To form, plan, or arrange in the mind; design or contrive
Devised a new system for handling mail orders.
Invent
To make up; fabricate
Invent a likely excuse.
Devise
(Law) To transmit or give (real property) by will.
Invent
To design a new process or mechanism.
After weeks of hard work, I invented a new way to alphabetize matchbooks.
Devise
(Archaic) To suppose; imagine.
Invent
To create something fictional for a particular purpose.
I knew I had to invent an excuse, and quickly.
We need a name to put in this form, so let's just invent one.
Devise
The act of transmitting or giving real property by will.
Invent
(obsolete) To come upon; to find; to discover.
Devise
The property or lands so transmitted or given.
Invent
To come or light upon; to meet; to find.
And vowed never to return again,Till him alive or dead she did invent.
Devise
A will or clause in a will transmitting or giving real property.
Invent
To discover, as by study or inquiry; to find out; to devise; to contrive or produce for the first time; - applied commonly to the discovery of some serviceable mode, instrument, or machine.
Thus first Necessity invented stools.
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
Invent
To frame by the imagination; to fabricate mentally; to forge; - in a good or a bad sense; as, to invent the machinery of a poem; to invent a falsehood.
Whate'er his cruel malice could invent.
He had invented some circumstances, and put the worst possible construction on others.
Devise
(transitive) To leave (property) in a will.
Invent
Come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or priciple) after a mental effort;
Excogitate a way to measure the speed of light
Devise
To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider.
Invent
Make up something artificial or untrue
Devise
To plan or scheme for; to plot to obtain.
Devise
(obsolete) To imagine; to guess.
Devise
The act of leaving real property in a will.
Devise
Such a will, or a clause in such a will.
Devise
The real property left in such a will.
Devise
Design, devising.
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.
Devise
To plan or scheme for; to purpose to obtain.
For wisdom is most riches; fools thereforeThey are which fortunes do by vows devise.
Devise
To say; to relate; to describe.
Devise
To imagine; to guess.
Devise
To give by will; - used of real estate; formerly, also, of chattels.
Devise
To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider.
I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer.
Devise
The act of giving or disposing of real estate by will; - sometimes improperly applied to a bequest of personal estate.
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.
Devise
Property devised, or given by will.
Devise
Device. See Device.
Devise
A will disposing of real property
Devise
(law) a gift of real property by will
Devise
Come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or priciple) after a mental effort;
Excogitate a way to measure the speed of light
Devise
Arrange by systematic planning and united effort;
Machinate a plot
Organize a strike
Devise a plan to take over the director's office
Devise
Give by will, especially real property
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between inventing and devising?
Inventing is about creating something completely new, while devising is about arranging or planning using existing elements.
Is a patented product always an invention?
Yes, patents are typically granted for inventions that are new, useful, and non-obvious.
Can devising lead to an invention?
Yes, devising can lead to an invention if the arrangement or plan results in a novel product or idea.
Can an invention also involve devising?
Yes, inventing can involve devising as part of the process to create new solutions.
What skills are important for inventing?
Creativity, scientific knowledge, and technical skills are important for inventing.
What skills are important for devising?
Analytical thinking, strategic planning, and detailed organization are crucial for devising.
Are there specific fields where devising is more common?
Business strategies, military tactics, and scriptwriting often involve devising.
How do inventors and devisors contribute to problem-solving?
Inventors solve problems by creating new products or methods, while devisors solve problems by planning or rearranging existing ideas.
Can devising be protected by intellectual property rights?
While devising itself might not be patentable, the unique application or method developed can sometimes be protected.
Are there specific fields where inventing is more common?
Technology, science, and engineering are fields where inventing is particularly common.
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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
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
