Scheme

/skiːm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or putting a particular idea into effect.

The company has devised a new scheme to improve employee productivity.

A secret or underhanded plan; a plot.

The villain's scheme was uncovered before it could be executed.

A diagram, plan, or model; a representation of a system.

The architect presented a detailed scheme of the new building.

verb

To devise a plan, especially a secret or underhanded one.

He was scheming to take control of the company without anyone noticing.

From Latin schema, from Greek skhema 'shape, form, figure'.

scheme of things

the arrangement or organization of events

the big scheme

a comprehensive view of a situation or plan

under the scheme

according to a specific plan or framework

schematic

relating to an outline or diagram

schemeful

having a tendency to scheme or plot

schemed

previously planned or contrived

To devise or plan something, often in a crafty or secretive way.

He's always scheming up new ways to make money.

To make plans for something unethical or dishonest.

She was caught scheming against her coworkers.