Device or Devise?

Lots of people are mixing up device and devise. These two words  look similar, but they have different pronunciations and meanings.  

Device 

It is spelt with a 'c' 

Device /dɪˈvaɪs/ is a countable noun and means a piece of equipment that has been invented for a special purpose. Tablet PCs and mobile phones are our devices. 

• I need to buy some electronic devices such as TV and DVD player.  
• The listening device was tiny and easily concealed in the purse. 
• You can now connect the device to your computer. 
• This device measures the level of radiation. 

A bomb or other explosive weapon can be called a device. 

• The terrorists exploded the device near the police station. 
• The atomic device was successfully tested in the desert.

Device also means a plan or method that is used to achieve something.

• Social media advertising is a great marketing device.  
• The Method of Loci is a useful mnemonic device for memorizing things.  

Devise 

It is spelt with an 's' 

Devise /dɪˈvaɪz/ is most often used as a verb to mean to plan or invent something new. 

• They have devised a new method to control air pollution. 
• We need to devise a way to improve sales. 
• You must devise a new filing system.  
• A new strategy has been devised to resolve the issues.  
• They had to devise a solution to the city's traffic problem. 

Devise can also be used as a noun to mean a gift or real property given to someone in a will.

• The devise passes without being subject to the debt. 

Summary: 

Device is only used as noun, but devise can be a verb or noun. 

Device is pronounced with an 's' sound', but devise is pronounced with a 'z' sound.