devise, device

To devise means “to formulate a plan.” In the law, devise means “to give away land or other real property in a will.”

A device is something that is made to serve a specific purpose. Device is always a noun while devise is most commonly a verb with the exception of its legal usage to mean “a gift of land in a will.” As a noun, device might imply a malicious scheme.

Example: After their first tool broke, they were forced to devise another device.