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
principled
C2Acting in accordance with morality and high standards of behavior. It describes a person or an action guided by a strict set of values and integrity rather than by personal gain or convenience.
analytical
C1Relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning to understand something by breaking it down into its constituent parts. It describes a systematic approach to problem-solving and the ability to evaluate information critically.
approach
C1A systematic way of dealing with something or a specific perspective taken when addressing a problem or task. It can also refer to the physical act of moving nearer to someone or something in distance or time.
authorize
C1To grant official permission or legal power to someone to perform a specific action or to allow something to happen. It typically involves a formal process or a person in a position of authority validating a request or procedure.
beneficial
B2Beneficial describes something that has a good effect or promotes well-being. It is frequently used in formal or academic contexts to highlight the advantages or positive outcomes of a specific action, substance, or situation.
consistent
C2The quality of achieving a level of performance which does not vary over time, or the state of being coherent and not contradictory in logical or behavioral terms. Physically, it refers to the degree of thickness, firmness, or viscosity found in a substance.
constitutional
C2Relating to the fundamental principles or established laws that govern a state or organization. It can also refer to an individual's physical health or inherent temperament.
contextual
B2Relating to the circumstances or setting in which something exists or occurs. It describes information that helps explain the meaning of an event, statement, or idea by looking at its surroundings.
contract
C1A formal and legally binding agreement between two or more parties that establishes mutual obligations. In academic and legal contexts, it refers to the specific terms, conditions, and enforcement mechanisms that govern a transaction or relationship.
contractor
C1A person or company that performs work or provides goods and services under a specific legal agreement. Unlike a regular employee, a contractor is usually hired for a specific project or a fixed period of time as an independent entity.
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