design
verb (transitive)
UK/dɪˈzaɪn/US/dɪˈzaɪn/
To create, fashion, execute plans for something such as a building, garment, or software.
Example Sentences
She decided to design a new logo for the company to refresh its brand identity.
The architect will design the building to maximize natural light and energy efficiency.
They hired a designer to create the website's layout and user interface.
He spent hours designing the perfect outfit for the gala event.
The software engineer is tasked with designing a scalable system architecture.
In her free time, she loves to design custom furniture pieces for her home.
After receiving feedback, they redesigned the product to better meet customer needs, enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The team collaborated to design an innovative solution that addressed the complex challenges of the project, combining their expertise and creative ideas to develop a successful outcome.
Thesaurus
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Antonyms
noun (countable)
UK/dɪˈzaɪn/US/dɪˈzaɪn/
A pattern or ornament that adorns a surface.
Example Sentences
The wallpaper design features intricate floral patterns that add elegance to the room.
She embroidered a beautiful design onto the fabric, showcasing her artistic talent.
The ceramic vase is adorned with a delicate design inspired by nature.
The quilt is made up of various designs, each telling a different story.
The car's interior has a modern design with sleek lines and minimalist features.
The tablecloth has a traditional design that complements the antique furniture.
He admired the intricate design of the stained glass window in the cathedral.
The smartphone case features a unique design that stands out from the rest.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
To conceive and plan the form, structure, or function of an object or process.This term appears as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the blueprint or visual layout of something, such as a product interface, building plan, or artistic pattern. You might say, “The design of this house optimizes natural light.” As a verb, it denotes the act of planning or crafting those elements—“She’s designing a new smartphone app.” Whether you’re referencing a physical product, a digital interface, or a conceptual solution, design typically involves research, iteration, and creativity. In fields like architecture, fashion, or UI/UX, ‘to design’ integrates function, aesthetics, and user needs. While everyday usage might stress the artistic side—like designing a t-shirt—professional contexts can include systematic processes (e.g., design thinking, prototyping, user testing). Clear communication of purpose and constraints ensures the final outcome meets the intended goal, whether aesthetic, practical, or both. The process often combines inspiration, technical knowledge, and collaborative feedback, resulting in a polished concept that transitions from idea to tangible product or system. In short, “design” underscores strategic planning and a sense of form-meets-function, bridging creative vision with real-world application.
Alternatives
If you’d like a different expression, terms like “plan,” “outline,” or “devise” might highlight the conceptual or strategic phase—“to devise a plan.” “Draft” or “sketch” can capture early visual ideation, especially in artistic contexts—“He sketched initial concepts.” If you want to emphasize improvement or adaptation, phrases like “shape,” “refine,” or “develop” are apt—“We’re refining the project design.” Meanwhile, synonyms like “blueprint” or “layout” refer more to the physical or visual representation of the end product—“We finalized the blueprint.” For intangible processes—like business or service design—“formulate” or “engineer” might emphasize structural or technical detail. Each alternative shifts the nuance slightly, so use whichever best conveys whether you’re focusing on the creative spark, the structural draft, or the functional outcome. By tailoring the verb or noun to your precise meaning—be it conceptual, aesthetic, or operational—you ensure your audience picks up on the purpose behind each phase of the design process and the nature of the final creation.
Writing
In written contexts, “design” can anchor discussions about artistry, engineering, or problem-solving. If you’re crafting a thesis on design, specifying which branch (e.g., industrial design, graphic design, or systems design) helps define scope. In project proposals, highlighting design objectives and constraints clarifies your approach—“This design must prioritize accessibility.” In narrative, describing a character’s design process can reveal their creativity and attention to detail—“He painstakingly revised the logo design until the lines felt balanced.” For clarity, give context on methods or standards used—like design thinking principles or user testing metrics—so readers see how decisions are made. If you find yourself overusing the word, synonyms like “concept,” “plan,” or “layout” can introduce variety. Balance broad strokes (“The design targets a minimalist aesthetic”) with specifics (“The color palette and typography align with brand guidelines”). This approach illustrates both the overarching vision and the practical steps that bring a design from concept to final product. Ultimately, “design” in written work signals structured creation, bridging ideation with execution.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you might say, “I’m designing my new room layout,” or “The car’s design is really sleek.” It’s a quick way to signal personal style choices or user-friendliness—“That app’s design is so intuitive!” If referencing smaller DIY projects, like designing a party invitation, it’s usually less formal—“I’m designing the invites on my laptop.” Friends might comment on clothing—“Who designed that jacket?”—to highlight brand or creative flair. If “design” starts feeling repetitive, synonyms like “style,” “look,” or “arrange” can step in—“I love the look of your newly decorated bedroom.” If talking about the process, you might mention “planning out” or “deciding on a theme” to keep it light. Remember that “design” can range from big professional endeavors (like architectural blueprints) to quick personal tasks (like a dinner table arrangement). Adjust your tone and level of detail to match the scale: a chat about building a website might be more serious than describing a friend’s outfit. In either case, “design” underscores creativity and purpose in choosing how something appears or functions, whether big or small in scope.
Etymology
The English word “design” stems from the Latin “designare,” meaning “to mark out,” “to indicate,” or “to plan.” During the Renaissance, Italian “disegno” fused the idea of drawing with conceptual frameworks, denoting both the sketch and the underlying thought process. As it migrated into Middle French and then English, “design” maintained that dual sense of artistic drawing and strategic planning. Over time, it evolved to cover broader activities—from architecture and decorative arts to industrial and software design. Today, the term “design” balances aesthetic expression with functional intent, echoing the Renaissance root of carefully plotting out or ‘marking’ an idea before bringing it to life. This lineage underscores how design has always been more than beautifying—it’s a holistic, often iterative approach to shaping experiences, products, and solutions in response to human needs and inspirations.
