device
HighFormal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
An object, machine, or piece of equipment designed for a specific purpose or function.
A plan, method, or trick used to achieve a particular effect, especially in a clever or cunning way. In computing, a hardware component or peripheral. In literature, a stylistic technique or figure of speech (rhetorical device).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. The extended meanings, especially in literature and computing, are domain-specific but widely understood. Often implies intentionality and design, whether physical or conceptual.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used identically in core meaning. Minor differences: 'Leave to one's own devices' is slightly more common in British English. In US technical contexts, 'device driver' is more frequent than UK 'device controller'.
Connotations
Both share neutral/technical connotations. 'Device' can sound slightly more formal or technical than 'gadget' or 'tool' in everyday speech.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to prominence of technology sector and marketing (e.g., 'mobile device', 'IoT device').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + device: design, invent, use, connect, install, activatedevice + [verb]: works, connects, measures, alerts, stores[adjective] + device: electronic, mobile, medical, tracking, explosiveVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Leave someone to their own devices”
- “A rhetorical device”
- “A plot device”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to products, especially tech hardware. 'Our new device will launch next quarter.'
Academic
Used in engineering, computer science, and literary analysis. 'The poet employs various stylistic devices.'
Everyday
Common for phones, tablets, kitchen tools. 'Don't forget to charge your device.'
Technical
Precise term for hardware components. 'The input device sends signals to the CPU.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A. 'Device' is not a verb. The verb is 'devise'.
American English
- N/A. 'Device' is not a verb. The verb is 'devise'.
adverb
British English
- N/A. No standard adverb form.
American English
- N/A. No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- N/A. The related adjective is 'device-specific' or 'device-related'.
American English
- N/A. The related adjective is 'device-specific' or 'device-related'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a small device for listening to music.
- This is a useful kitchen device.
- My mobile device needs a new battery.
- The author used a clever literary device in the story.
- The safety device automatically stops the machine if it overheats.
- He was left to his own devices for the afternoon and managed to finish the project.
- The new medical device employs nanotechnology to deliver drugs more effectively.
- The film relies on the hackneyed plot device of amnesia to resolve its conflict.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DEVICE as something you DEVISE (plan/invent) for a specific purpose. A clever DEVICE is a product of your DEVISE-ing.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE TOOLS / MACHINES (e.g., 'a rhetorical device', 'a plot device').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'прибор' for non-physical meanings (e.g., 'plot device' is 'приём', not 'сюжетный прибор').
- Avoid overusing 'девайс' in formal Russian; it's a colloquial anglicism.
- 'Leave to one's own devices' translates idiomatically as 'предоставить самому себе', not literally.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'This device is very usefully.' (Correct: '...very useful.')
- Confusing 'device' (noun) with 'devise' (verb).
- Using uncountable: 'I need new device.' (Correct: '...a new device.')
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'device' used in a NON-PHYSICAL sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is almost always countable. You need an article: 'a device', 'several devices'.
'Device' is broader and more formal, encompassing simple tools to complex machines. 'Gadget' is more informal and often implies a small, novel, clever electronic device.
Yes, in security/military contexts, 'explosive device' or 'improvised explosive device (IED)' is standard terminology.
The verb is 'devise' (to plan or invent). Be careful not to confuse them: you 'devise' (verb) a plan to create a 'device' (noun).
Collections
Part of a collection
Technology Basics
A2 · 48 words · Everyday technology and digital devices.