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design
/dɪˈzaɪn/
plan or purpose
The design of the new bridge prioritizes both safety and aesthetics.
The new bridge's plan focuses on safety and visual appeal.
Engineering
formal
A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of an object before it is built or made.
The architect presented the design for the skyscraper to the city council.
The architect showed the city council the detailed plan for the skyscraper.
Often includes sketches, blueprints, or digital models.
general
Purpose, planning, or intention behind an action or object.
The design of the program was to help users learn coding quickly.
The program was intentionally created to teach coding efficiently.
Can imply both conscious planning and underlying purpose.
general
To plan and make decisions about something that is being built or created.
She designs websites for small businesses.
She creates and plans websites specifically for small businesses.
Often used in creative and technical fields.
Collocations
product designthe process of creating new productsinterior designthe art of planning and decorating indoor spacesdesign processthe steps taken to develop a new product or system
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish noun vs. verb
As a noun, 'design' refers to the final plan or appearance (e.g., 'The design of the chair is modern'). As a verb, it describes the act of creating that plan (e.g., 'She designs chairs').
Gold Rule
Use 'design' for intentional creation
If something is created with a specific purpose in mind, 'design' is appropriate. Avoid using it for accidental or haphazard outcomes.
Word Origin
From Latin *designare* (to mark out, devise), from *de-* (out) + *signare* (to mark). Entered English in the late 16th century with the sense of 'purpose' and later evolved to include 'planning' and 'creation'.
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'design' emphasizes the result of planning (e.g., a building's design). As a verb, it emphasizes the act of creating (e.g., to design a logo). Avoid confusing with 'designs' (plural noun) meaning decorative patterns.
Word Breakdown
de-
out, thoroughly
prefix-sign-
to mark
root-ation
process or result of
suffixEnglish Dictionary