"device (machine, gadget)" in seven languages

Meaningdevice (machine, gadget)

Spanish

dispositivo

/disposiˈtibo/

masc.learned

Aparato is the everyday word for an appliance.

French

appareil

/apaʁɛj/

masc.other source · Old French apareil, from apareillier 'to prepare'

Dispositif exists, but means an arrangement or system.

Italian

dispositivo

/dispoziˈtivo/

masc.learned

Portuguese

aparelho

/apaˈɾeʎu/

masc.other source · aparelhar 'to prepare', from spoken Latin *APPARICULĀRE

Dispositivo is the technical word.

Romanian

dispozitiv

/dispoziˈtiv/

neut.borrowed · French dispositif

Catalan

dispositiu

/dispuziˈtiw/

masc.learned

English

device

/dɪˈvaɪs/

other source · Old French devis 'division, plan'

English → Italiandevice (machine, gadget)dispositivoNot relatedDifferent sources — learn this one fresh. But English has relatives: dispose, disposition.What English and Italian share

The Latin ancestor

DISPOSITUM‘arranged, set in order’

All six sisters descend from it, unless marked otherwise below.

The story

A device is something 'arranged' in Spanish and Italian. Trap: French devise is a currency or a motto, not a gadget.

English relatives: dispose, disposition

Learn it

Practice the Home deck Quiz a friend on it

In a sentence

esApaguen todos los dispositivos electrónicos, por favor.
frVeuillez éteindre tous les appareils électroniques.
itSpegnete tutti i dispositivi elettronici, per favore.
ptPor favor, desliguem todos os aparelhos eletrônicos.
roVă rugăm să opriți toate dispozitivele electronice.
caSi us plau, apagueu tots els dispositius electrònics.
enPlease turn off all electronic devices.

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