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v. de·signed, de·sign·ing, de·signs v.tr. 1. a. To conceive or fashion in the mind; invent: design a good excuse for not attending the conference. b. To formulate a plan for; devise: designed a marketing strategy for the new product. 2. To make a graphic or schematic representation of (something), especially as a plan for its structure: design a building on a computer; design a new car model. 3. To create or contrive for a particular purpose or effect: a game designed to appeal to all ages. 4. To have as a goal or purpose; intend: "Mrs. Bennet had designed to keep the two Netherfield gentlemen to supper; but ... she had no opportunity of detaining them" (Jane Austen). v.intr. 1. To make or execute plans. 2. To create designs. n. 1. a. A drawing or sketch. b. A graphic representation, especially a detailed plan for construction or manufacture. c. An ornamental pattern. See Synonyms at figure. 2. a. The purposeful or inventive arrangement of parts or details: the aerodynamic design of an automobile; the design of an epic poem. b. A particular plan or method: the party's design for increasing voter turnout. See Synonyms at plan. 3. The art or practice of designing or making designs: studied design in college. 4. a. A reasoned purpose; an intent: It was her design to set up practice on her own as soon as she was qualified. b. Deliberate intention: He became a photographer more by accident than by design. c. often designs A secretive or underhanded plot or scheme: He has designs on my job. de·signa·ble adj. |
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