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

pale

A1

Describes something that has very little color or is much lighter than usual. It is often used to describe a person's face when they are ill or a color that is mixed with a lot of white.

lung

A1

The lungs are two organs inside your chest that you use to breathe. They bring oxygen into your body and remove carbon dioxide when you breathe out.

tropical

A1

Relating to the hot regions of the Earth near the equator. It describes weather that is very warm and wet, or plants and animals that come from these areas.

trader

A1

A trader is a person whose job is to buy and sell goods, stocks, or other items for profit. They can work in a small local market or on large international financial exchanges.

indoor

A1

Describes something that is located, happens, or is used inside a building rather than outside. It is an adjective used before a noun to talk about activities or objects protected from the weather.

threshold

A1

A threshold is the physical area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over to enter a room or building. It also refers to the level or point at which something starts to happen or changes.

tribute

A1

A tribute is something that you say, do, or give to show your respect and admiration for someone. It is often a public act used to honor a person's life, work, or memory.

elder

A1

Used to describe a person who is older than another, especially within a family. It is also used to refer to people who have a high status or more experience because of their age.

russian

A1

Relating to Russia, its people, its language, or its culture. It describes things that come from or are connected to the largest country in the world.

southeastern

A1

Located in or coming from the direction between south and east. It describes a place, a region, or a wind that is in the corner between the bottom and the right on a map.

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