English Lexicon

Device

/dɪˈvaɪs/
nounCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #800 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment.

    "She used her smartphone, a versatile device, to navigate the city."
  2. 2

    A plan, scheme, or trick with a particular aim.

    "The author employed a clever device to reveal the plot twist."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'device' originates from the Old French 'devis', meaning 'to divide or separate', which in turn comes from the Latin 'dividere'. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to a tool or instrument designed for a specific purpose.

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