Devices
/dɪˈvaɪsɪz/
Definitions
2 meaningsA tool or piece of equipment designed for a specific function.
/dɪˈvaɪsɪz/
An instrument or machine designed for a particular purpose.
The store sells a wide range of electronic devices.
💡 Simply: Devices are like helpers – things that make our lives easier. Your phone? That's a device! A toaster? Also a device! They help us do things.
👶 For kids: A device is like a special tool that helps you do something, like your toy car or your TV.
More Examples
The company is developing new medical devices.
Smart home devices can be controlled remotely.
Many modern devices use touch screens.
How It's Used
"Modern devices like smartphones and tablets have revolutionized communication."
"Doctors use various medical devices for diagnosis and treatment."
"Smart home devices can control lighting and temperature automatically."
A strategy or tactic, often clever or underhanded, used to achieve a goal.
/dɪˈvaɪsɪz/
A plan, scheme, or trick.
They employed a clever device to win the competition.
💡 Simply: Imagine a secret plan. That's kind of what a device is – a clever way to get something done. Like a sneaky plan in a game or a surprise move.
👶 For kids: A device is like a secret trick or a plan to get something done.
More Examples
The detective uncovered the criminal's elaborate device.
She used various devices to manipulate the situation.
His argument was a rhetorical device designed to persuade the audience.
How It's Used
"The plot involved a clever device to expose the villain."
"The opposition used various devices to delay the vote."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
left to one's own devices
Allowed to do what one wants without help or control.
"After they graduated, the students were left to their own devices to find jobs."
From Middle English *divisen*, from Old French *devise* ('a plan, intention, device'), from Vulgar Latin *divīsa* ('a division'), from Latin *divīsus*, past participle of *dīvidere* ('to divide').
The word 'device' has been used for centuries, originally referring to a plan or invention and later to include machines and tools.
Memory tip
Think of all the gadgets and gizmos around you – those are devices!
Word Origin
"a plan, intention"