[skiːm], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or putting a particular idea into effect
(e.g: the occupational sick pay scheme)

- an estate of social housing
(e.g: the whole scheme is plunged into darkness, bar the light in Victor's house)


Phrases:
- the scheme of things

Origin:
mid 16th century (denoting a figure of speech): from Latin schema, from Greek (see schema). An early sense was ‘diagram of the position of celestial objects’, giving rise to ‘diagram, outline’, whence the current senses. The unfavourable notion ‘plot’ arose in the mid 18th century

[skiːm], (Verb)

Definitions:
- make plans, especially in a devious way or with intent to do something illegal or wrong
(e.g: envious of their wealth, he schemed to bring about their downfall)

- arrange according to a colour scheme
(e.g: she was busy arranging flowers, scheming the candles and napkins)


Phrases:
- the scheme of things

Origin:
mid 16th century (denoting a figure of speech): from Latin schema, from Greek (see schema). An early sense was ‘diagram of the position of celestial objects’, giving rise to ‘diagram, outline’, whence the current senses. The unfavourable notion ‘plot’ arose in the mid 18th century