Cool MateDevise vs Make up a thing like that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Devise
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Make up a thing like that
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: DeviseMost common: Devise
| Devise | Make up a thing like that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪˈvaɪz//🇺🇸 //dɪˈvaɪz// | 🇬🇧 //meɪk ʌp ə θɪŋ laɪk ðæt//🇺🇸 //meɪk ʌp ə θɪŋ laɪk ðæt// |
| Meaning | To invent or plan something in a careful way. | create something that doesn't really exist |
| Example | She had to devise a new marketing strategy for the product. | He tends to just *make up a thing like that* when he runs out of ideas. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | devise a plan, devise a strategy, devise a solution, devise methods, devise a schedule | make up stories, make up excuses, make up events |
| Antonyms | destroy, neglect, suppress | 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 '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. | Used informally when discussing fictitious events or stories. Avoid in formal writing or serious discussions. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Devise vs Make up a thing like that
What's the difference between Devise and Make up a thing like that?
Devise: To invent or plan something in a careful way. Make up a thing like that: create something that doesn't really exist
Which is more formal: Devise and Make up a thing like that?
Devise is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Devise and Make up a thing like that?
Devise is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Devise: She had to devise a new marketing strategy for the product. 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 and Make up a thing like that interchangeably?
Not always. Devise 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.