Scheme

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -iːm
• IPA: /skiːm/

Origin

From schēma ("figure, form"), from Ancient Greek σχῆμα ("form, shape"), from ἔχω (ekhō, "I hold"). Compare sketch.

Full definition of scheme

Noun

1. A systematic plan of future action.
• Jonathan SwiftThe stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.
• 2013-06-01, Ideas coming down the track, A “moving platform” scheme...is more technologically ambitious than maglev trains even though it relies on conventional rails. Local trains would use side-by-side rails to roll alongside intercity trains and allow passengers to switch trains by stepping through docking bays. This set-up solves several problems ….
2. A plot or secret, devious plan.
3. An orderly combination of related parts.
• John Lockethe appearance and outward scheme of things
• Atterburysuch a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity
• J. Edwardsarguments ... sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy
• MacaulayThe Revolution came and changed his whole scheme of life.
4. A chart or diagram of a system or object.
• Southto draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France
5. (mathematics) A type of topological space.
6. (UK, chiefly Scotland) A council housing estate.
• 2008, James Kelman, Kieron Smith, Boy, Penguin 2009, p. 101:It was all too dear. They all just put their prices up because it was out in the scheme.
7. (rhetoric) An artful deviation from the ordinary arrangement of words.
8. (astrology) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
• Sir Walter Scotta blue case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity

Usage notes

In the US, generally has devious connotations, while in the UK, frequently used as a neutral term for projects: “The road is closed due to a pavement-widening scheme.”

Synonyms

• (a systematic plan of future action) blueprint

Verb

1. (intransitive) To plot, or contrive a plan.
• 2012, April 26, Tasha Robinson, Film: Reviews: The Pirates! Band Of Misfits :, The openly ridiculous plot has The Pirate Captain (Hugh Grant) scheming to win the Pirate Of The Year competition, even though he’s a terrible pirate, far outclassed by rivals voiced by Jeremy Piven and Salma Hayek.