Etymology Map
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Devise

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means to plan or invent

Where does the word "devise" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin divisare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
divisare
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"to divide, arrange"
from 'dividere', to divide
2
Stage 2 of 3
deviser
Old French · medieval
"to arrange, plan"
'devise' in law still means to leave property in a will
3
Stage 3 of 3
devise
English · 1200s
"to plan"
'device' comes from the same word
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Read the full story

Devise’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: divisare meant “to divide, arrange.” From 'dividere', to divide. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as deviser. 'devise' in law still means to leave property in a will. It reached English by 1200s as devise. 'device' comes from the same word. Today, devise means to plan or invent.