shema: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral to formal. Informal when referring to a dishonest plan.
Quick answer
What does “shema” mean?
A systematic plan or arrangement for achieving a particular purpose, often involving steps or stages.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A systematic plan or arrangement for achieving a particular purpose, often involving steps or stages.
A secret, dishonest, or underhand plan; a large-scale public or government project; a graphic representation or diagram.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'scheme' is a neutral term for an official plan or system (e.g., colour scheme, training scheme). In US English, it more strongly connotes a secret, dishonest, or fraudulent plan, with neutral plans often called 'plans' or 'programs'.
Connotations
UK: Often neutral or positive. US: Primarily negative, implying trickery.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English across all registers. In US English, most frequent in negative contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “shema” in a Sentence
to scheme to do somethingto scheme against somebodyto scheme (something) (with somebody)to be involved in a schemeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shema” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They were scheming to get him removed from the committee.
- For years he schemed to take control of the family business.
American English
- He schemed with his partners to defraud the investors.
- She's always scheming to avoid doing her share of the work.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form. 'Scheming' is a participle adjective.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form. 'Scheming' is a participle adjective.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A structured financial or organizational plan (e.g., 'employee share scheme', 'marketing scheme').
Academic
A theoretical model or systematic framework (e.g., 'a classificatory scheme', 'the syntactic scheme of the sentence').
Everyday
A plan for decorating, an event, or a perceived dishonest plan (e.g., 'I love your colour scheme', 'He's got some scheme to get rich quick').
Technical
A diagrammatic representation or a systematic notation (e.g., 'a wiring scheme', 'a rhyme scheme').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shema”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shema”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shema”
- Using 'scheme' neutrally in US English where 'plan' or 'program' is more appropriate (e.g., 'a government scheme for healthcare' → US: 'a government program').
- Confusing 'scheme' (n.) with 'theme' (central topic).
- Misspelling as 'sheme'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In British English, it's frequently neutral (e.g., 'savings scheme'). In American English, the negative connotation is much stronger, so a neutral alternative like 'plan' or 'program' is often safer.
A 'plan' is a general intended course of action. A 'scheme' implies a more systematic, detailed, or sometimes cunningly devised arrangement. 'Scheme' can also refer to the visual/structural design of something.
Yes. To 'scheme' means to make secret or elaborate plans, typically to achieve something, often something underhanded (e.g., 'They schemed to overthrow the leader').
Use specific neutral alternatives: for a government project, use 'program' or 'initiative'; for a visual design, use 'palette' or 'design'; for a general plan, use 'plan', 'system', or 'project'.
A systematic plan or arrangement for achieving a particular purpose, often involving steps or stages.
Shema is usually neutral to formal. informal when referring to a dishonest plan. in register.
Shema: in British English it is pronounced /skiːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /skiːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The best-laid schemes of mice and men”
- “a scheme of things”
- “fly-by-night scheme”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'SCHEME' as a 'SEEmed' plan – it might look good or seem clever, but it could be deceptive.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAME (with schemes as plays/rules); DECEPTION IS A NET (ensnaring someone in a scheme).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would a US English speaker be MOST LIKELY to use the word 'scheme'?