C1 noun Neutral

design

/dɪˈzaɪn/

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 5
1

The 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.

2

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.

3

I really dig the design on your skateboard; the colors are awesome.

I like the visual pattern and graphic art on your skateboard.

Word Family

Noun
design
Verb
design
Adverb
designedly
Adjective
designing
Related
designer
💡

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

1

The sleek design of the new laptop makes it incredibly portable for daily commutes.

everyday

The physical form and functional layout of the laptop make it easy to carry.

2

The proposed architectural design for the civic center must adhere to strict environmental regulations.

formal

The formal blueprint and structural plan for the building must follow green laws.

3

I really dig the design on your skateboard; the colors are awesome.

informal

I like the visual pattern and graphic art on your skateboard.

4

The research design was carefully constructed to minimize bias in the data collection process.

academic

The scientific methodology and framework were planned to ensure objective results.

5

Our primary goal this quarter is to improve the user experience design of our mobile application.

business

We aim to refine the interface and functional planning of the app for our customers.

Word Family

Noun
design
Verb
design
Adverb
designedly
Adjective
designing
Related
designer

Common Collocations

experimental design The planning of a scientific experiment to ensure valid results.
graphic design The art of visual communication through typography and imagery.
interior design The planning and furnishing of the inside of a building.
sustainable design Creating products or buildings that minimize environmental impact.
design flaw A mistake in the original plan of a product that causes it to fail.

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

design vs drawing

A drawing is a literal illustration; a design is the conceptual and functional plan behind an object.

design vs invention

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

Countable: 'We need a more modern design.' Uncountable: 'The building is a masterpiece of design.' Commonly followed by 'of' or 'for': 'The design of the bridge' or 'A design for the future.'
🌍

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 Words

ultraducor

C1

An ultraducor is a high-performance technological component or material engineered for the extremely efficient transmission of energy, data, or thermal signals. It is primarily used in advanced physics and aerospace engineering to facilitate flux with near-zero resistance or loss of integrity.

interlaterence

C1

Pertaining to the mutual influence, interaction, or interference occurring between two lateral sides or parallel components of a system. It describes the state where side-by-side elements overlap in function or effect, often used in technical or cognitive analysis.

extrascior

C1

To criticize or censure someone or something with extreme severity, effectively 'stripping away' their reputation or defense. It is frequently used in formal or academic contexts to describe a scathing review or a public denouncement of behavior or policy.

macromotion

C1

Refers to large-scale, visible, or significant movement between two parts that are intended to be fixed or stable. In technical and medical contexts, it specifically describes the displacement of a component, such as a prosthetic implant, relative to its surrounding structure.

repedency

C1

Describing a state or quality of being repetitive or showing a tendency toward recurrence in patterns or behavior. It is frequently utilized in technical or test-specific contexts to analyze the frequency of repeated elements within a sequence.

supercludious

C1

A state of extreme exclusivity or a structural condition of being entirely enclosed and impenetrable to outside influence. It describes a system, group, or physical space that maintains absolute boundaries against external elements.

retortless

C1

To be without a quick, witty, or sharp reply; it describes the state of being unable to respond to a criticism, insult, or clever remark. It implies that someone has been silenced or bested in a verbal exchange.

revictic

C1

A revictic is the formal act or specific instance of replenishing essential provisions, such as food, water, and survival gear, for a group in a remote or confined environment. It refers to both the logistical process of resupplying and the new stock itself within specialized military or historical contexts.

exspircy

C1

The end of a period of time for which something is valid, or the formal termination of a contract, agreement, or biological life. It refers specifically to the moment something ceases to be active or legally binding.

anspirate

C1

In a medical or laboratory context, an anspirate refers to the substance, such as fluid, tissue, or gas, that has been drawn out of a body cavity or organ using suction. It is primarily collected for diagnostic purposes to identify infections, malignancies, or other physiological conditions.

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