design
gb/dɪzˈaɪn/ us/dɪzˈaɪn/
A2
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A plan or drawing for making something
A picture or plan that shows how something will be built or made.
Usage pattern:
a design for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'design' (the plan) with 'decoration' (adding beauty to something).
Synonyms
plan (More general; may not include visual representation.)
|
blueprint (Often used for technical or architectural designs specifically.)
Antonyms
improvisation (Creating without preparation or planning.)
Collocations
graphic design
|architectural design
|fashion design
|product design
|design process
Themes
art
|engineering
|business
|arts_entertainment
|technology
Examples
- The architect presented a new design for the city park.
- This dress has a beautiful floral design.
- The company approved the design of the new logo.
- She is studying interior design at university.
Learner examples
- The design of the house is modern.
- I like the design on your shirt.
- We saw the design for the new bridge.
- He works in car design.
Verb
B1
action
2
To create a plan for something
To make a plan or drawing for something before making it.
Usage pattern:
to design [something]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'design' with 'decorate', thinking it only means making something look nice rather than planning its function.
Synonyms
create (Broader; not limited to structured planning.)
|
devise (Often implies cleverness in creating a plan.)
Antonyms
destroy (Opposite in the sense of removing what was created.)
Collocations
design a website
|design clothes
|design buildings
|design a program
Themes
art
|engineering
|business
|work
|arts_entertainment
|technology
Examples
- They are designing a new smartphone model.
- She designed the layout of the magazine.
- The engineer designed a safer braking system.
- We hired an agency to design our advertising campaign.
Learner examples
- I want to design my own clothes.
- He designs websites for small businesses.
- We will design a new logo for the shop.
- They designed a new kind of chair.
Noun
A2
entity
3
A pattern or decoration on something
A pattern of lines, shapes, or colors on something.
Usage pattern:
a [adjective] design on [something]
Synonyms
pattern (Focuses more on repetition of elements.)
Antonyms
plainness (Without any decorative pattern.)
Collocations
floral design
|geometric design
|simple design
Themes
art
|fashion
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The carpet has a traditional Persian design.
- I love the colorful design on this plate.
- The wallpaper’s design is very modern.
Learner examples
- The cup has a flower design.
- I like the design on your bag.
- The shirt has a simple design.
Noun
B2
entity
4
An intention or aim in doing something
The reason why someone makes or does something.
Synonyms
intention (More general; applies to all actions.)
|
plan (Implies a structured method to achieve an aim.)
Antonyms
accident (Happening without planning or purpose.)
Collocations
by design
|evil design
Themes
business
|psychology
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Examples
- The changes were made by design, not by mistake.
- Her designs were to take over the company.
- It was part of his larger political design.
Learner examples
- He lost the game by design.
- Her design was to help her friend.
- It happened by design, not by chance.
Grammar
Dictionary form
design
IPA
GB/dɪzˈaɪn/
US/dɪzˈaɪn/
Syllables & stress
design (1 syllable)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: design
- Plural: design, designs
Verb
- Base: design
- 3rd Person Singular: designs
- Present Participle: designing
- Past: designed
Word family
Expressions
by design
1/bˈaɪ dɪzˈaɪn/
fixed phrase
Intentionally and according to a plan
Happening because someone planned it, not by accident.
Examples
- The seating arrangement was by design to encourage conversation.
- The system is complex by design, to prevent misuse.
design for life
1/dɪzˈaɪn fɚ lˈaɪf/
fixed phrase
Create for long-term use or purpose
To make something so it can be used for many years.
Examples
- These tools are designed for life and won't break easily.
- Our homes are designed for life, adapting to your needs over time.
well-designed
1/wˈɛl dɪzˈaɪnd/
fixed phrase
Having a good and functional design
Made in a way that looks nice and works well.
Examples
- This app is very well-designed and easy to use.
- A well-designed kitchen can make cooking more enjoyable.