scheme

American  

[skeem] / skim /

noun

1. a plan, design, or program of action to be followed; project.

2. an underhand plot; intrigue.

   Synonyms:

   conspiracy, cabal, stratagem

3. a visionary or impractical project.

4. a body or system of related doctrines, theories, etc..

   a scheme of philosophy.

5. any system of correlated things, parts, etc., or the manner of its arrangement.

   Synonyms:

   schema, pattern

6. a plan, program, or policy officially adopted and followed, as by a government or business.

   The company's pension scheme is very successful.

7. an analytical or tabular statement.

8. a diagram, map, or the like.

9. an astrological diagram of the heavens.

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verb (used with object)

schemed, scheming

1. to devise as a scheme; conspire; plot; contrive.

verb (used without object)

schemed, scheming

1. to lay schemes; devise plans; plot.

scheme British  

/ skiːm /

noun

1. a systematic plan for a course of action

2. a systematic arrangement of correlated parts; system

3. a secret plot

4. a visionary or unrealizable project

5. a chart, diagram, or outline

6. an astrological diagram giving the aspects of celestial bodies at a particular time

7. a plan formally adopted by a commercial enterprise or governmental body, as for pensions, etc

8. an area of housing that is laid out esp by a local authority; estate

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verb

1. (tr) to devise a system for

2. to form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner

scheme Idioms  

1. see best-laid plans (schemes).

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Related Words

See plan. See plot.

Other Word Forms

• outscheme verb (used with object)
• schemeless adjective
• schemer noun
• subscheme noun
• underscheme noun
• unschemed adjective

Etymology

Origin of scheme

First recorded in 1545–55; from Medieval Latin schēma (stem schēmat- ), from Greek schêma “form, figure”

Example Sentences

Safety is a critical spot in Patterson’s scheme, and Pierce is one of the most important players on the team.

From Los Angeles Times

But obesity experts warned the scheme would have limited impact because the drugs were still being tightly-restricted on the NHS – and this move would do nothing to widen eligibility.

From BBC

He alleges that they engaged in ‘financial fraud’ involving a scheme with his former manager.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike state pensions - which are paid out of general taxation - local governments and their workers pay into schemes that guarantee a level of income in retirement, often linked to final or average salaries.

From BBC

However, the development fanned a fresh round of uncertainty, with calls growing for the government to repay cash taken under the scheme and analysts warning officials would likely pursue other ways of imposing his tolls.

From Barron's

Related Words

• arrangement
• blueprint
• design
• device
• game plan
• pattern
• plan
• program
• project
• proposal
• strategy
• system
• theory