Cool MateDevise vs Invent vs Make up a thing like that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Devise
Invent
Make up a thing like that
| Devise | Invent | Make up a thing like that | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪˈvaɪz//🇺🇸 //dɪˈvaɪz// | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈvent/","/ɪnˈvents/","/ɪnˈventɪd/","/ɪnˈventɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈvent/","/ɪnˈvents/","/ɪnˈventɪd/","/ɪnˈventɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //meɪk ʌp ə θɪŋ laɪk ðæt//🇺🇸 //meɪk ʌp ə θɪŋ laɪk ðæt// |
| Meaning | To invent or plan something in a careful way. | To create something new or make something that didn't exist before. | create something that doesn't really exist |
| Example | She had to devise a new marketing strategy for the product. | Who invented the steam engine? | He tends to just *make up a thing like that* when he runs out of ideas. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | |
| Collocations | devise a plan, devise a strategy, devise a solution, devise methods, devise a schedule | practically, virtually, single-handedly, newly invented | make up stories, make up excuses, make up events |
| Antonyms | destroy, neglect, suppress | destroy, eliminate, neglect | tell the truth, be honest |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Confusing with 'discover' which means finding something that already exists., Using 'invent' in passive voice incorrectly, e.g. 'was invented by' without mentioning the inventor., Mistaking it for 'create' in all contexts; 'invent' often implies a unique or original idea. | Confusing with 'make something up' which means to invent a lie., Using in overly serious contexts., Misplacing 'like that' which can confuse the meaning. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in academic and professional contexts; less formal in conversational language. Avoid using in casual or slang situations. | Commonly used in both spoken and written English. It's appropriate in academic, professional, and casual contexts when discussing creativity or innovation. Avoid in situations where you're discussing improvements on existing things rather than original creations. | Used informally when discussing fictitious events or stories. Avoid in formal writing or serious discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Devise vs Invent vs Make up a thing like that
What's the difference between Devise, Invent, and Make up a thing like that?
Devise: To invent or plan something in a careful way. Invent: To create something new or make something that didn't exist before. Make up a thing like that: create something that doesn't really exist
Which is more common: Devise, Invent, and Make up a thing like that?
Invent is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Devise, Invent, and Make up a thing like that?
Devise is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Devise: She had to devise a new marketing strategy for the product. Invent: Who invented the steam engine? Make up a thing like that: He tends to just *make up a thing like that* when he runs out of ideas.
Can I use Devise, Invent, and Make up a thing like that interchangeably?
Not always. Devise, Invent, and Make up a thing like that 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.