这些动词的均含“设计、设想”之意。
devise : 侧重设计的临时性和权宜性，并隐含有更多的设想可用。
- He's good at devising language games that you can play with students in class.
他善于设计可供师生在课堂上使用的语言游戏。 - A new system has been devised to control traffic in the city.
控制城市交通的新系统已经设计出来。
conceive : 强调在制定计划之前的先有设想构思。
- I think my uncle still conceives of me as a four-year-old.
我觉得我叔叔仍然把我看成是4岁的小孩。 - He couldn't conceive of a time when he would have no job.
他不能想象有一天他会没有工作。 - I can't conceive (= it is too shocking to imagine) how anyone could behave so cruelly.
我不能想象有人竟然能做出如此残酷的事情。 - I find it hard to conceive (= it is too shocking to imagine) that people are still treated so badly.
我觉得难以想象人们竟然还受着那样的虐待。
formulate与conceive相反，指在devise之后的具体设计活动。
- to formulate a policy/theory/plan/proposal
制订政策；创立理论；构想计划；准备建议 - The compost is specially formulated for pot plants.
此混合肥料专门用于盆栽植物。 - This new kitchen cleaner is formulated to cut through grease and dirt.
这种新的厨房清洁剂能去除油渍和污垢。
