What are different gadget, gizmo, appliance, equipment, tool, apparatus and device ?

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Madhulk · Accepted Answer

I'd say the first two are just simple
tools whilst the others are complex devices.

Anonymous · Answer

"Gadget" is a fairly informal word, and it usually refers to something small or hand-held.

"Gizmo" is a very slangy word. It suggests that you don't know exactly what the thing is: "How did he fix the heater?" "He had some weird gizmo with him."

I've only ever heard the word "appliance" used to refer to machines in kitchens -- refrigerators, dishwashers, microwave ovens, etc.

"Equipment" refers to a set of tools used for a specific task: medical equipment, surveyor's equipment, construction equipment.

"Tool" is the most general word. A tool is basically any object you use to do something, whether it's as simple as a hammer or as complex as a computer.

"Apparatus" suggests a fairly complicated machine. When I hear the word, I picture something with a lot of moving parts.

"Device" is a bit different from the words above because it doesn't have to refer to a physical object. For example, if a writer puts something in his book that furthers the plot, that's called a "plot device." It can refer to physical objects too, though, as in "Improvised Explosive Device." I guess I'd say that if a tool is "any object you use to do something," a device is "anything you use to do something."

What are different gadget, gizmo, appliance, equipment, tool, apparatus and device

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