design

The way something looks and works, including its shape, colours, and arrangement.

• I like the design of this chair.
• The curtains have a flower design.
• Its clever design makes the phone easy to hold.

Similar words: style, pattern

Common phrases: modern design, simple design, floral design

A plan showing how something will be made, arranged, or built.

• The design includes three bedrooms.
• Engineers checked the bridge design carefully.
• Have they approved the designs for the new library?

How to use it: design for something (The architect showed us her design for the school.)

Similar words: plan, blueprint

Common phrases: design for something, initial design, bridge design

An intention or plan, often kept secret, to get something or achieve a goal.

• The mistake happened by design.
• They suspected him of having designs on the throne.
• Her secret designs were finally revealed.

How to use it: have designs on something (They have designs on our land.)

Similar words: intention, plan, plot

Common phrases: by design, evil design, secret design

To decide how something will look and work, often by drawing plans for it.

• She designs beautiful dresses.
• They designed a new park for the town.
• Who designed this website?

How to use it: design something for someone/something (She designs clothes for children.); be designed to do something (This tool is designed to cut glass.)

Similar words: plan, create

Common phrases: design a building, design a website, design something for someone