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
Innovation refers to the process of creating or implementing...
compositionComposition 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...
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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