design
A detailed plan or scheme that outlines the functional and aesthetic features of an object or system before it is made. In an academic context, it refers to the deliberate structure or methodology of a study or process designed to achieve specific outcomes.
Examples
3 of 5The sleek design of the new laptop makes it incredibly portable for daily commutes.
The physical form and functional layout of the laptop make it easy to carry.
The proposed architectural design for the civic center must adhere to strict environmental regulations.
The formal blueprint and structural plan for the building must follow green laws.
I really dig the design on your skateboard; the colors are awesome.
I like the visual pattern and graphic art on your skateboard.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Look at the word 'sign' inside 'design'. To design is to 'de-sign' or 'mark out' a sign or plan for something before you build it.
Quick Quiz
The study's _____ was criticized for not including a large enough sample size to prove the hypothesis.
Correct!
The correct answer is: design
Examples
The sleek design of the new laptop makes it incredibly portable for daily commutes.
everydayThe physical form and functional layout of the laptop make it easy to carry.
The proposed architectural design for the civic center must adhere to strict environmental regulations.
formalThe formal blueprint and structural plan for the building must follow green laws.
I really dig the design on your skateboard; the colors are awesome.
informalI like the visual pattern and graphic art on your skateboard.
The research design was carefully constructed to minimize bias in the data collection process.
academicThe scientific methodology and framework were planned to ensure objective results.
Our primary goal this quarter is to improve the user experience design of our mobile application.
businessWe aim to refine the interface and functional planning of the app for our customers.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
by design
Intentionally or on purpose rather than by accident.
grand design
A large-scale, ambitious, and comprehensive plan.
have designs on
To have a secret plan to obtain or control something.
Often Confused With
A drawing is a literal illustration; a design is the conceptual and functional plan behind an object.
Invention is the creation of a new device; design is the process of planning its structure and appearance.
Usage Notes
At the C1 level, distinguish between 'design' as an aesthetic choice (fashion, graphics) and 'design' as a logical framework (research design, system architecture). It often functions as both a countable noun (a specific plan) and an uncountable noun (the general concept of planning).
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'design' only for visual art, but in English, it is frequently used in technical and scientific contexts to describe logical structures.
Memory Tip
Look at the word 'sign' inside 'design'. To design is to 'de-sign' or 'mark out' a sign or plan for something before you build it.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'designare', which means to mark out, devise, or choose.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern professional culture, 'design thinking' has become a popular problem-solving methodology used across business and education sectors.
Quick Quiz
The study's _____ was criticized for not including a large enough sample size to prove the hypothesis.
Correct!
The correct answer is: design
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Composition is the way different parts are put together to m...
aestheticsA branch of philosophy that studies beauty and art. It also...
draftA preliminary version of a piece of writing, such as an essa...
architectureThe complex or carefully designed structure and organization...
innovationInnovation refers to the process of creating or implementing...
Related Words
majority
C1The greater number or part of a whole, specifically more than half of a total amount or group. It is often used in political or statistical contexts to describe a group that holds the most power or influence.
method
C1A systematic, logical, and established procedure for accomplishing a task or conducting research. It implies a structured series of steps designed to achieve a specific result or to gain knowledge in a disciplined manner.
occurrence
C1An occurrence refers to an instance or event where something happens or exists. In a broader sense, it can also describe the frequency or prevalence of a particular phenomenon within a specific context or dataset.
percent
C1A mathematical term representing a ratio or proportion out of one hundred. It is used extensively to describe changes, statistics, and probabilities in academic and professional contexts.
percentage
C2A percentage is a rate, number, or amount in each hundred, used to express a proportion or ratio relative to a whole. In academic contexts, it specifically refers to the quantitative measurement of a subset compared to the total population or data set.
periodic
C2In an academic or library context, a periodic refers to a publication that is issued at regular intervals, such as a scholarly journal, magazine, or newsletter. It is characterized by its recurring nature and is often archived in series to track the development of research or news over time.
principle
B2A principle is a fundamental truth, law, or rule that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning. It can also refer to a personal code of conduct that guides how an individual chooses to act in various situations.
requirement
C1A thing that is needed or wanted; a condition that must be met in order to achieve a specific goal or comply with a rule. In formal and academic settings, it often refers to a compulsory qualification or a mandatory standard of performance.
respond
B2To say or write something as a reply to a question, statement, or letter, or to react to something by taking action. In academic contexts, it often refers to how an organism, system, or person reacts to a specific stimulus or event.
responsive
C1Characterized by reacting quickly and positively to suggestions, influences, or stimuli. In technical and academic contexts, it describes a system or organism that adapts efficiently to changing conditions or feedback.
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