Mechanism vs. Scheme — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 15, 2024
A mechanism is a system of parts working together in a machine or process, while a scheme is a plan or arrangement for attaining a particular goal.
Difference Between Mechanism and Scheme
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A mechanism refers to a system or structure consisting of various parts that work together to perform a function. In engineering and science, mechanisms often describe the mechanical parts of a machine or the processes within a system that enable it to operate. A scheme, on the other hand, is a planned arrangement or a systematic plan of action designed to achieve a specific goal. Schemes are commonly used in contexts such as business, government, and strategy.
Mechanisms often deal with tangible, physical components and their interactions. They are foundational in fields like engineering, biology, and physics, where understanding the detailed workings of a system is crucial. Schemes, however, are more abstract and conceptual, involving strategic planning and arrangement. They are prominent in fields like economics, politics, and project management, where planning and coordination are key.
In terms of structure, mechanisms are detailed and specific about how each part contributes to the overall function. They often include diagrams and technical descriptions. Schemes, on the other hand, outline steps or strategies in a more generalized format, often including timelines, objectives, and resources.
While mechanisms focus on the operational details and functionality of systems, schemes prioritize the planning and execution of strategies to achieve desired outcomes. Both are crucial in their respective contexts but serve different purposes in understanding and organizing systems and plans.
Comparison Chart
Definition
System of parts working together
Planned arrangement or strategy
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Context
Engineering, biology, physics
Business, government, strategy
Focus
Operational aspects, interactions
Organized plan, strategy
Nature
Tangible, physical components
Abstract, conceptual plan
Structure
Detailed, specific about parts
Generalized steps, timelines, objectives
Compare with Definitions
Mechanism
A system of parts that interact to perform a function.
The locking mechanism of the door ensures security.
Scheme
A strategy designed to achieve a particular outcome.
The government implemented a new pension scheme.
Mechanism
A structured process in a machine or system.
The clock’s mechanism involves gears that move the hands.
Scheme
A plan or plot, often with a specific aim.
The scheme to expand the business involved opening new stores.
Mechanism
The inner workings of a device.
Understanding the mechanism of the engine helps in troubleshooting.
Scheme
A systematic plan of action
"Did you ever carry out your scheme of writing a series of sonnets embodying all the great epochs of art?" (Edith Wharton).
Mechanism
The process by which something operates.
The mechanism of photosynthesis converts sunlight into energy.
Scheme
A secret or devious plan; a plot
A scheme to defraud investors.
Mechanism
A machine or mechanical appliance.
Scheme
An orderly plan or arrangement of related parts
An irrigation scheme with dams, reservoirs, and channels.
Mechanism
The arrangement of connected parts in a machine.
Scheme
A chart, diagram, or outline of a system or object.
Mechanism
A system of parts that operate or interact like those of a machine
The mechanism of the solar system.
Scheme
To contrive a plan or scheme for; plot
Scheming their revenge.
Mechanism
An instrument or a process, physical or mental, by which something is done or comes into being
"The mechanism of oral learning is largely that of continuous repetition" (T.G.E. Powell).
Scheme
To make plans, especially secret or devious ones.
Mechanism
A habitual manner of acting to achieve an end.
Scheme
An artful deviation from the ordinary arrangement of words.
Mechanism
(Psychology) A usually unconscious mental and emotional pattern that shapes behavior in a given situation or environment
A defense mechanism.
Scheme
(astrology) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
Mechanism
The sequence of steps in a chemical reaction.
Scheme
A systematic plan of future action.
Mechanism
(Philosophy) The doctrine that all natural phenomena are explicable by material causes and mechanical principles.
Scheme
A plot or secret, devious plan.
Mechanism
(within a machine or machinery) Any mechanical means for the conversion or control of motion, or the transmission or control of power.
Scheme
An orderly combination of related parts.
Mechanism
Any combination of cams, gears, links, belts, chains and logical mechanical elements.
Scheme
A chart or diagram of a system or object.
Mechanism
A group of entities, such as objects, that interact together.
Scheme
(mathematics) A mathematical structure that enlarges the notion of algebraic variety in several ways, such as taking account of multiplicities and allowing "varieties" defined over any commutative ring (e.g. Fermat curves over the integers).
Mechanism
A mental, physical, or chemical process.
Scheme
A council housing estate.
Mechanism
Any process of, or system designed to manage useful energy conversion.
Scheme
(internet) Part of a uniform resource identifier indicating the protocol or other purpose, such as
http: or news:.Mechanism
(philosophy) The theory that all natural phenomena can be explained by physical causes.
Scheme
A portfolio of pension plans with related benefits comprising multiple independent members.
Mechanism
The arrangement or relation of the parts of a machine; the parts of a machine, taken collectively; the arrangement or relation of the parts of anything as adapted to produce an effect; as, the mechanism of a watch; the mechanism of a sewing machine; the mechanism of a seed pod.
Scheme
(intransitive) To plot, or contrive a plan.
Mechanism
The series of causal relations that operate to produce an effect in any system; as, the mechanism of a chemical reaction.
Scheme
(transitive) To plan; to contrive.
Mechanism
Mechanical operation or action.
He acknowledges nothing besides matter and motion; so that all must be performed either by mechanism or accident.
Scheme
A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system.
The appearance and outward scheme of things.
Such a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity.
Arguments . . . sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy.
The Revolution came and changed his whole scheme of life.
Mechanism
An ideal machine; a combination of movable bodies constituting a machine, but considered only with regard to relative movements.
Scheme
A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form a scheme.
The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.
Mechanism
The atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction;
He determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions
Scheme
Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline.
To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France.
Mechanism
The technical aspects of doing something;
A mechanism of social control
Mechanisms of communication
The mechanics of prose style
Scheme
A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
A blue silk case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity.
He forms the well-concerted scheme of mischief;'T is fixed, 't is done, and both are doomed to death.
Artists and plans relieved my solemn hours;I founded palaces, and planted bowers.
Mechanism
A natural object resembling a machine in structure or function;
The mechanism of the ear
The mechanism of infection
Scheme
To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot.
That wickedness which schemed, and executed, his destruction.
Mechanism
(philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes
Scheme
To form a scheme or schemes.
Mechanism
Device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function
Scheme
An elaborate and systematic plan of action
Mechanism
A method or process to achieve a result.
The mechanism of action for the drug involves binding to receptors.
Scheme
A statement that evades the question by cleverness or trickery
Scheme
A group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole;
A vast system of production and distribution and consumption keep the country going
Scheme
An internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world
Scheme
A schematic or preliminary plan
Scheme
Form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
Scheme
Devise a system or form a scheme for
Scheme
A systematic plan to achieve a goal.
The marketing scheme increased the company's sales.
Scheme
An organized arrangement or pattern.
The color scheme of the room was carefully selected.
Scheme
A detailed plan or program.
The investment scheme offered high returns.
Common Curiosities
What is a scheme?
A scheme is a planned arrangement or strategy to achieve a specific goal.
What is the focus of a mechanism?
The focus of a mechanism is on the operational aspects and interactions of parts.
Are mechanisms tangible?
Yes, mechanisms often involve tangible, physical components.
Where are mechanisms commonly used?
Mechanisms are commonly used in engineering, biology, and physics.
What is an example of a scheme?
A marketing scheme outlines steps to promote a product.
Where are schemes commonly applied?
Schemes are applied in business, government, and strategic planning.
Do schemes include timelines?
Yes, schemes often include timelines, objectives, and resources.
What is a mechanism?
A mechanism is a system of parts working together in a machine or process.
Are schemes abstract?
Yes, schemes are often abstract and conceptual.
What is an example of a mechanism?
The mechanism of a clock involves gears and springs that keep time.
What is the purpose of a scheme?
The purpose of a scheme is to organize and plan strategies to achieve goals.
What does a scheme emphasize?
A scheme emphasizes the planning and organization to reach an objective.
Do mechanisms include diagrams?
Yes, mechanisms often include diagrams and technical descriptions.
How are schemes structured?
Schemes are structured with steps and strategies in a generalized format.
How are mechanisms detailed?
Mechanisms are detailed about how each part contributes to the function.
What is the purpose of a mechanism?
The purpose of a mechanism is to explain how parts work together to perform a function.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited 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.
