Definition

Noun 1. Plural form of "device": Refers to multiple objects, machines, or contrivances made for a particular purpose. 2. Plural form of "device": Refers to multiple schemes, plans, or techniques used to achieve an effect. 3. Inclination, desire, or will (used in the plural, primarily in the fixed phrase "left to one's own devices"): The natural tendencies or resources a person or thing possesses when acting independently.

Usage and Examples

• As objects or machines:
  • Modern kitchen devices like blenders and air fryers save a lot of time.
  • The laboratory was filled with complex scientific devices.
• As schemes or techniques:
  • The writer used various literary devices, such as metaphor and irony, to enhance the story.
  • He employed clever devices to avoid answering the question directly.
• In the phrase "left to one's own devices":
  • When left to their own devices, the children built an impressive fort out of blankets and chairs.
  • The manager is on vacation, so the team has been left to its own devices this week.

Advanced Usage

• "Left to one's own devices": This is a fixed idiom. It means to be allowed to do what one wants or to manage by oneself without help or interference. It implies relying on one's own judgment, resources, or inclinations.
  • If left to my own devices, I would probably read all day.
  • The old garden was left to its own devices and grew wild and beautiful.

Variants and Related Words

• Device (singular noun): A single object, machine, scheme, or technique.
  • A smartphone is an essential device for many people.
• Devise (verb): To plan, invent, or contrive.
  • She devised a new method to solve the problem.

Synonyms

• Gadgets, appliances, instruments (for objects/machines).
• Contrivances, schemes, stratagems, ploys (for plans/techniques).
• Inclinations, tendencies, resources (in the idiomatic sense).

Notes on Different Meanings

The meaning of "devices" is entirely dependent on context. It most commonly refers to physical objects or machines. Its use to mean "schemes" is more formal or literary. The meaning of "inclinations" is almost exclusively used in the idiom "left to one's own devices".

Noun

1. an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase `left to your own devices'
   • eventually the family left the house to the devices of this malevolent force
   • the children were left to their own devices