What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
divise
Example
The teacher asked the students to divise the essay into three main sections. [divise: verb]
Example
The company divised a plan to allocate resources more efficiently. [divised: past tense]
devise
Example
The engineer deviced a new system for recycling waste. [deviced: past tense]
Example
The team spent hours devising a strategy to win the game. [devising: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Devise is more commonly used than divise in everyday language. Devise is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while divise is less common and typically used in technical or specialized contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between divise and devise?
Both divise and devise can be used in formal and informal contexts, but divise may be perceived as more technical or specialized, while devise is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels.