devise

5 definitions • 8 examples

to invent a plan, system, object, etc., usually using your intelligence or imagination:

He's good at devising language games that you can play with students in class.

The cartoon characters Snoopy and Charlie Brown were devised by Charles M. Schultz.

to invent something, esp. with intelligence or imagination:

He devised a new way to treat mental depression.

The committee is devising an agenda for the upcoming political convention.

to use knowledge and imagination to think of or plan something:

He set about devising a plan to revive the automaker and improve its profitability.

She led a small team that worked for years to devise a way to create a silicon power amp for an earlier generation of cell phones.

to leave someone money or property in a will (= document stating what will happen to someone's property after their death):

devise sth to sb I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to my daughter Eva $10,000.

property given to someone in a will (= document stating what will happen to someone's property after their death), or the part of a will that gives property to someone:

He made specific devises of various items of furniture.