What does scheme mean?
A scheme is an organized plan or arrangement designed to achieve a particular result, although the word can also refer to a decorative arrangement, a diagram, or a secret and disreputable plot. For example, a government may introduce a scheme to support pensioners, while a designer might choose a monochrome color scheme for a building. In British English, scheme is particularly common for publicly funded programs and initiatives. It also has a negative sense: people who are scheming are secretly planning something dishonest or manipulative. The word's definitions therefore range from practical and administrative to artistic and furtive. In general discussion, its use often carries an implication that the arrangement is elaborate, carefully planned, or potentially self-serving, which makes it more expressive than the neutral word plan.
An organized plan, system, arrangement, or diagram; in a negative sense, a secret and dishonest plot.
"The proposed scheme would provide grants to small businesses affected by the disruption."
Especially common in British English for government or institutional programs. The sense of a secret plot is usually disapproving.
To secretly or dishonestly devise or carry out a plan, typically through deceptive or collusive action.
"Several executives were accused of scheming to manipulate the contract."
The verb almost always has a negative or suspicious connotation.
The plural is standard when referring to multiple plans, systems, or programs, especially in British institutional contexts.
"Several funding schemes are available to local sports clubs."
The word scheme began with a Greek word for form or figure—before it came to mean a plan, a diagram, and even a suspicious plot.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scheme come from?
The word entered English in the early 16th century from Latin schema, a transliteration of Greek skhēma, meaning “form” or “figure.” Its early senses included an outline, plan, or diagrammatic representation, and it later developed the meanings of a project, system, and secret plot. Related English words include schema, schematic, and schematize, all reflecting the same Greek and Latin root.
Related word forms
How scheme is actually used
In British English, scheme is also widely used for a government-organized program, as in a pension or employment scheme. In American English, the word more often suggests a design, arrangement, or secret plot. It can sound disapproving when applied to an elaborate or seemingly manipulative plan.
Easily confused with scheme
A scheme is a plan or organized arrangement, whereas a schematic is a diagram or representation showing how something works.