design
- to prepare the preliminary sketch or the plans for (a work to be executed), especially to plan the form and structure of: to design a new bridge.
- to plan and fashion artistically or skillfully.
- to intend for a definite purpose: a scholarship designed for foreign students.
- to form or conceive in the mind; contrive; plan: The prisoner designed an intricate escape.
- to assign in thought or intention; purpose: He designed to be a doctor.
- Obsolete. to mark out, as by a sign; indicate.
- to make drawings, preliminary sketches, or plans.
- to plan and fashion the form and structure of an object, work of art, decorative scheme, etc.
- an outline, sketch, or plan, as of the form and structure of a work of art, an edifice, or a machine to be executed or constructed.
- organization or structure of formal elements in a work of art; composition.
- the combination of details or features of a picture, building, etc.; the pattern or motif of artistic work: the design on a bracelet.
- the art of designing: a school of design.
- a plan or project: a design for a new process.
- a plot or intrigue, especially an underhand, deceitful, or treacherous one: His political rivals formulated a design to unseat him.
- designs, a hostile or aggressive project or scheme having evil or selfish motives: He had designs on his partner's stock.
- intention; purpose; end.
- adaptation of means to a preconceived end.
Origin of design
Synonym study
Related Words for design
picture, scheme, layout, form, map, pattern, study, idea, method, construction, architecture, composition, model, arrangement, drawing, plan, style, motif, shape, deviceExamples from the Web for design
Contemporary Examples of design
An F-35 was destroyed on takeoff earlier in the year when a design flaw in its Pratt & Whitney F135 engine sparked a fire.
But the F-35 has been plagued with massive delays and cost overruns—mostly due to design defects and software issues.
In general, their presence is meant to throw you off your game by design.
Industry experts claim an increase in awareness amongst men when it comes to styles, design, and price regarding their underwear.
Encompass Develop, Design Construct, LLC A Kentucky-based architect, design and construction service.
Historical Examples of design
I'll send young Rapson, the architect, along to make a design.
VivietteWilliam J. Locke
They are apprehensive that Mr. Lovelace will be there with design to come home with me.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
The mosaic border to the frame is quite unique in its design.
It was a thing that happened; there was no design in it; that would have been out of character.
Quaint CourtshipsVarious
Your design is great and noble; and I doubt not but God will bless you in it.
The Life of Horatio Lord NelsonRobert Southey
design
- to work out the structure or form of (something), as by making a sketch, outline, pattern, or plans
- to plan and make (something) artistically or skilfully
- (tr) to form or conceive in the mind; invent
- (tr) to intend, as for a specific purpose; plan
- (tr) obsolete to mark out or designate
- a plan, sketch, or preliminary drawing
- the arrangement or pattern of elements or features of an artistic or decorative workthe design of the desk is Chippendale
- a finished artistic or decorative creation
- the art of designing
- a plan, scheme, or project
- an end aimed at or planned for; intention; purpose
- (often plural; often foll by on or against) a plot or hostile scheme, often to gain possession of (something) by illegitimate means
- a coherent or purposeful pattern, as opposed to chaosGod's design appears in nature
- argument from design philosophy another name for teleological argument
Word Origin for design
Word Origin and History for design
1540s, from Latin designare "mark out, devise, choose, designate, appoint," from de- "out" (see de-) + signare "to mark," from signum "a mark, sign" (see sign (n.)). Originally in English with the meaning now attached to designate; many modern uses of design are metaphoric extensions. Related: Designed; designing.
1580s, from Middle French desseign "purpose, project, design," from Italian disegno, from disegnare "to mark out," from Latin designare "to mark out" (see design (v.)).
Idioms and Phrases with design
design
see by design; have designs on.