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device

device

102 4.9
A clever plan used to get a result, often to trick people
  • noun
  • /dɪˈvaɪs/
translation icon : artificio
  • "The forger used a very clever literary device to keep the reader guessing.
  • rhetorical device
  • mnemonic device
  • left to their own devices

So it's really a device you use to inspire yourself.

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Examples

  • And Rawls works this out in fascinating detail with the device of what he calls the veil of ignorance.

  • The teacher used a clever device to engage her students during the lesson.

  • - It's a device to keep you inside the park.

  • So it's really a device you use to inspire yourself.

  • And I think that that is a device that is underused.

  • And the truth is like this wonderful little device solves for a lot of it.

  • That is a device to summon food.

  • For example, simple mnemonic devices can link a word with a definition.

    Academic text (2008)
  • He created a unique device to help people remember important dates.

  • The advertisement employed a persuasive device to attract customers' attention.

Synonyms

trick
vsdevice
764 2.6

A smart method for doing or remembering something

leans more toward planned methods aimed at results, especially when deceptive
gimmick
vsdevice
64 5.6

A clever trick or device used to attract attention

is focused on achieving results rather than merely attracting attention or sales
ruse
vsdevice
53 7.7

A clever trick to deceive someone

is broader, used to achieve a result not only to deceive someone
artifice
vsdevice
  • Formal
11 8.1

A clever trick that deceives people or hides the truth

is more general, covering clever methods to achieve results beyond avoiding detection
contrivance
vsdevice
1 8.1

A plan made to trick people

highlights a practical method to achieve results rather than the act of inventing
cunning plan
vsdevice
1 5.0

A clever way to trick someone to get what you want

is more general about clever plans to achieve results rather than only deceit
cunning tactic
vsdevice
6.3

A clever but dishonest plan to gain an advantage

emphasizes clever planning to reach results not necessarily secretive or tactical

Antonyms

365 1.0

Being truthful and fair in what you say and do

146 3.7

Being clear so people can see or understand how something works

Compounds

explosive device
  • Specialized
40 4.1

An object made to burst violently and cause damage

A machine that uses electricity to process or send information like phones and computers

homing device
  • Specialized
11 5.6

A part that helps a missile or vehicle find and move toward a target

7 5.6

A bomb made from everyday things used in attacks

incendiary device
  • Specialized
6 7.3

A weapon made to start fires using chemicals

storage device
  • Specialized
5 3.5

A thing that stores computer files, like a hard drive or USB stick

Something that helps a person float in water and avoid drowning

A thing that uses electricity to work, like a phone or lamp

A machine with moving parts that does a particular job

A piece of equipment that protects people from injury, like an airbag or seatbelt

A machine like a computer or calculator that works with information

A tool that shows how big, heavy, or hot something is

breathing device
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A machine that helps a person take air into their lungs when they cannot do it themselves

detonating device
  • Specialized
1 6.8

A small object or bit of explosive used to start a larger explosion

device driver
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A small program that lets a computer use hardware like a printer or keyboard

input device
  • Specialized
1 3.4

A tool like a keyboard or mouse that sends information to a computer

prosthetic device
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A man-made part that replaces a missing body part, for example a leg or a tooth

birth control device
  • Specialized
1 3.2

Something that stops a person from becoming pregnant

A way of using language to persuade or add emphasis

A tool that makes a loud sound or bright light to tell people there is danger

A thing that stops pregnancy, for example a pill or condom

A thing that stores information like files or photos so you can use it later

intrauterine device
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A small device put inside the womb to prevent pregnancy

optical device
  • Specialized
1 4.7

A tool that uses light to make things easier to see like microscopes or cameras

output device
  • Specialized
1 3.5

Something that sends computer information so people can see or hear it, like a screen

1 3.8

A thing that uses sound or light to warn people and give information

A weapon made to injure or kill people rather than damage machines

Equipment that helps a person exercise, for example a bike or weights

holding device
  • Specialized
1 3.6

A tool that keeps something steady in one place

1 6.4

Something people use to prevent pregnancy, like a condom or diaphragm

peripheral device
  • Specialized
1 4.7

An electronic machine like a printer that connects to a computer to let you enter, see or save information

semiconductor device
  • Specialized
1 4.0

An electronic part made from a material that partly conducts electricity and controls its flow in circuits, like transistors

A tool like a vacuum or brush that cleans surfaces

data input device
  • Specialized
3.1

A tool used to put information into a computer, like a keyboard or mouse

device characteristic
  • Specialized
6.0

A thing about a device you can measure under certain conditions, like how much power it uses

5.1

A machine that uses electricity and moving parts to do work, like an elevator

A machine that makes, sends, or changes sound

9.5

A climbing tool that automatically locks and stops the rope if a climber falls

lifting device
  • Specialized
3.8

A machine that raises heavy things like a crane or forklift

guidance device
  • Specialized
5.8

A machine that automatically controls the path of a vehicle like a missile or aircraft

input/output device
  • Specialized
3.8

A device that takes information into a computer and sends information out, like a printer or touchscreen

I/O device
  • Specialized
3.7

A machine like a keyboard or printer that moves information between a computer and a user

IO device
  • Specialized
4.6

A machine like a keyboard or monitor that sends data into and out of a computer

projective device
  • Specialized
9.9

A test that asks people to say what unclear pictures or situations show to reveal hidden feelings

7.9

A tube-shaped tool that controls a climbing rope to stop falls or lower someone

How Cunning

ruse
53 7.7
scheme
494 3.9
device
102 4.9
plan
1.0
method
2.2

Surface Forms

device singular
devices plural

Etymology

Device is related to the verb devise and the familiar word divide, and it began as a 'planned arrangement', so think of someone putting parts in order to reach a goal. That's why device can mean a clever plan or trick to achieve a result.