Definition

1. Noun:

   • A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of something before it is made: A "design" is a detailed proposal or visual representation for an object, system, or structure.
   • A decorative pattern: A "design" can be an arrangement of lines, shapes, or colors forming a decorative motif.
   • Purpose, planning, or intention that exists behind an action or object: "Design" refers to the underlying purpose or scheme.
   • The art or action of conceiving and creating such plans or patterns: "Design" is the process of creating plans or artistic concepts.

2. Verb:

   • To conceive and plan out in the mind: To "design" is to invent, create, or formulate something in one's thoughts.
   • To create a plan, drawing, or model for something: To "design" is to produce a detailed specification for the construction or appearance of an object.
   • To intend for a specific purpose: To "design" something is to plan or tailor it for a particular role or effect.

Examples

• Noun:

  • The architect presented the design for the new museum.
  • The fabric has a beautiful floral design.
  • The experiment failed due to a flaw in its design.
  • She studied graphic design at university.

• Verb:

  • He designed a more efficient engine.
  • They are designing a new marketing campaign.
  • This tool is designed for precision work.

Advanced Usage

• "by design": Intentionally, on purpose.

  • The meeting was informal by design to encourage open discussion.

• "have designs on something/someone": To have a secret or ambitious plan to obtain something or someone.

  • He was suspected of having designs on the company's leadership position.

Variants and Related Words

• Designer (n): A person who designs things, especially as a profession.
  • She is a famous fashion designer.
• Designedly (adv): Intentionally, deliberately.
  • The comment was designedly provocative.

Synonyms

• Plan (n/v): A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something; to decide on and arrange in advance.
• Blueprint (n): A design plan or technical drawing.
• Intend (v): To have as a plan or purpose.
• Pattern (n): A repeated decorative design.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Design" is not commonly used with particles to form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically conveyed directly or through prepositional phrases like "design for" or "design to.")

Related Idioms

• "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry": Even the most carefully designed plans can fail. (This proverb relates to the concept of planning and design.)
• "Form follows function": A principle of design stating that the shape of an object should primarily relate to its intended function.

Noun

1. the creation of something in the mind
2. a preliminary sketch indicating the plan for something
   • the design of a building
3. an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
   • his intent was to provide a new translation
   • good intentions are not enough
   • it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
   • he made no secret of his designs
4. a decorative or artistic work
   • the coach had a design on the doors
5. something intended as a guide for making something else
   • a blueprint for a house
   • a pattern for a skirt
6. an arrangement scheme
   • the awkward design of the keyboard made operation difficult
   • it was an excellent design for living
   • a plan for seating guests
7. the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
   • he contributed to the design of a new instrument

Verb

1. intend or have as a purpose
   • She designed to go far in the world of business
2. conceive or fashion in the mind; invent
   • She designed a good excuse for not attending classes that day
3. create designs
   • Dupont designs for the house of Chanel
4. make a design of; plan out in systematic, often graphic form
   • design a better mousetrap
   • plan the new wing of the museum
5. create the design for; create or execute in an artistic or highly skilled manner
   • Chanel designed the famous suit
6. plan something for a specific role or purpose or effect
   • This room is not designed for work
7. make or work out a plan for; devise
   • They contrived to murder their boss
   • design a new sales strategy
   • plan an attack