devise
UK[dɪˈvaɪz]US[dɪˈvaɪz]
v
To invent or plan something, especially a complex procedure or system, using skill and imagination.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
vise
de
completely
vise
see
Etymology
The word "devise" entered English from Old French deviser, meaning "to divide, distribute, arrange, plan". This Old French term derives from the Vulgar Latin divisare, a frequentative verb based on the Latin past participle divisus (divided), from dividere (to divide). The core semantic link from "divide" to "plan" lies in the conceptual act of separating a problem into parts in order to arrange or conceive a solution. Thus, the literal morphemes suggest the act of "seeing something through completely" or "arranging by division", which evolved into the modern abstract meaning of inventing or contriving a plan through careful mental arrangement.
Analysis
Structure: de (completely) + vise (see)
de: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "completely, down, away".
vise: From Old French viser (to see, look at), ultimately from Latin vidēre (to see).
Examples
The engineers had to devise a new strategy to solve the unexpected problem.
She devised a clever method for remembering complex passwords.
The committee is tasked with devising a comprehensive policy for sustainable energy.