design
A design is a plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of an object before it is built or made. It can also refer to the specific arrangement of shapes, colors, or patterns on an item like a shirt or a website.
Examples
3 of 5I really like the floral design on your new dress.
I really like the floral pattern on your new dress.
The architect presented the final design for the new hospital.
The architect presented the final plan for the new hospital.
Check out this cool design for a phone case!
Look at this great visual style for a phone case!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'SIGN'. A 'de-SIGN' is like a 'sign' that shows people how a building or product should look and work.
Quick Quiz
The ______ of the new smartphone is very thin and light.
Correct!
The correct answer is: design
Examples
I really like the floral design on your new dress.
everydayI really like the floral pattern on your new dress.
The architect presented the final design for the new hospital.
formalThe architect presented the final plan for the new hospital.
Check out this cool design for a phone case!
informalLook at this great visual style for a phone case!
The study's experimental design ensured that the results were accurate.
academicThe study's structure and plan ensured that the results were accurate.
Our company is looking for a more modern design for the logo.
businessOur company is looking for a more modern visual style for the logo.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
by design
on purpose; planned rather than by accident
grand design
an ambitious or impressive plan
design for life
a plan or way of living
Often Confused With
A drawing is a specific picture made with a pencil or pen, while a design is a broader plan for how something functions or is arranged.
A plan is a general set of intended actions, whereas a design specifically focuses on the visual or structural layout.
Usage Notes
Use 'design' when talking about the visual appearance of an object or the professional plan behind its creation. It is a countable noun when referring to specific patterns but can be uncountable when referring to the field of work (e.g., 'He works in design').
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'I made a design' when they mean 'I drew a picture'. Remember that 'design' implies a level of planning or professional structure.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'SIGN'. A 'de-SIGN' is like a 'sign' that shows people how a building or product should look and work.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'designare', which means to mark out, point out, or describe.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, 'design' is highly valued in technology and fashion, often associated with luxury and innovation (e.g., Apple or Italian furniture).
Quick Quiz
The ______ of the new smartphone is very thin and light.
Correct!
The correct answer is: design
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
A simple drawing that is done quickly and without many detai...
aestheticsA branch of philosophy that studies beauty and art. It also...
prototypeA prototype is the first version or model of a new idea, pro...
draftA preliminary version of a piece of writing, such as an essa...
structureThe way in which the parts of a system or object are arrange...
Related Words
syntegment
C1To integrate or fuse distinct segments or components into a single, unified structure or cohesive system. It is often used in technical, architectural, or abstract contexts to describe the seamless blending of parts into a whole.
exsimilment
C1Exsimilment is an adjective describing something that has diverged so fundamentally from its original source or peer group that it no longer possesses any shared characteristics. It is frequently used in technical and comparative contexts to denote a state of complete and intentional dissimilarity.
foreautofy
C1Describing a system, process, or device that has been autonomously optimized or configured in advance to handle future scenarios. It implies a state of being pre-emptively automated to function seamlessly without human intervention when specific conditions are met.
insedess
C1Describing a state of remaining in one location or maintaining an inactive, sedentary posture. It is often used in technical or formal contexts to characterize organisms, habits, or lifestyles that lack movement or migration.
interpunctive
C1Relating to the marks or signs used in punctuation to separate sentences and their elements. It describes the structural use of points or symbols to clarify the meaning and rhythm of a written text.
comloquward
C1Describes a person who is excessively talkative in a socially clumsy or uncoordinated manner. It specifically refers to the combination of being verbose while simultaneously lacking the grace to navigate conversational cues effectively.
circumjurent
C1A person who takes a legal oath within a specific surrounding territory or boundary, often to verify land limits or local facts. In an archaic or specialized legal context, it refers to a witness who confirms the truth of a matter based on their presence in the surrounding area.
comvester
C1A comvester is an individual who participates in community-based investment, pooling financial resources with others to support local projects or social enterprises. This role combines traditional investment goals with a focus on social impact and collective community benefit.
antitractent
C1Describing a force or substance that exerts a repelling influence, tending to push away rather than attract. It is primarily used in technical or scientific contexts to describe physical properties or behaviors that resist being drawn together.
triludary
C1To engage in a complex tripartite evaluation or negotiation process involving three distinct parties, stages, or perspectives. It is used to describe the act of reaching a balanced resolution or synthesis through three-way interaction.
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