Cool MateDevelop vs Devise
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Develop
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Devise
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Develop
| Develop | Devise | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈveləp/","/dɪˈveləps/","/dɪˈveləpt/","/dɪˈveləpɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈveləp/","/dɪˈveləps/","/dɪˈveləpt/","/dɪˈveləpɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //dɪˈvaɪz//🇺🇸 //dɪˈvaɪz// |
| Meaning | To grow or improve something. | To invent or plan something in a careful way. |
| Example | It is important to develop new skills for your career. | She had to devise a new marketing strategy for the product. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | develop a plan, develop skills, develop a strategy, develop an idea, develop relationships | devise a plan, devise a strategy, devise a solution, devise methods, devise a schedule |
| Antonyms | deteriorate, decline, stagnate | destroy, neglect, suppress |
| Common mistakes | 'Developing' vs 'developement' - confused with the correct spelling., 'Develop a plan' - forget to use an article (a/the) before 'plan'., 'Develop' vs 'evolve' - using 'evolve' in place of 'develop' when the change is not gradual. | Confusing with 'device', which refers to a physical object., Using 'devise' with non-action verbs incorrectly., Misplacing the tense or form when used with complex subjects. |
| Usage notes | Use 'develop' when talking about making progress or improvements. It is appropriate in both written and spoken contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations. | Commonly used in academic and professional contexts; less formal in conversational language. Avoid using in casual or slang situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Develop vs Devise
What's the difference between Develop and Devise?
Develop: To grow or improve something. Devise: To invent or plan something in a careful way.
Which is more common: Develop and Devise?
Develop is the most common in everyday English.
Are Develop and Devise the same CEFR level?
Develop: A2, Devise: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Develop and Devise interchangeably?
Not always. Develop and Devise are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.