# design

> English word · Noun · IPA /dɪˈzaɪn/ · frequency rank #689

## Definitions
1. A specification of an object or process, referring to requirements to be satisfied and thus conditions to be met for them to solve a problem.
2. A plan (with more or less detail) for the structure and functions of an artifact, building or system.
3. A pattern, as an element of a work of art or architecture.
4. The composition of a work of art.
5. Intention or plot.
6. Intention or plot.
7. The shape or appearance given to an object, especially one that is intended to make it more attractive.
8. The art of designing

## Etymology
From Middle English designen, from Old French designer, from Latin designō (“to mark out, point out, describe, design, contrive”), from de- (or dis-) + signō (“to mark”), from signum (“mark”). Doublet of designate.

## Easily confused with
- **Devin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/design-vs-devin)
- **desire** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/design-vs-desire)
- **desist** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/design-vs-desist)
- **designs** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/design-vs-designs)
- **designed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/design-vs-designed)
- **designer** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/design-vs-designer)
- **Desi** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/desi-vs-design)

## Common misspellings (9)
`ddesign`, `deisgn`, `desgin`, `desiggn`, `designn`, `desing`, `dessign`, `dseign`, `edsign`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/design