Scheme vs. Schema: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 4, 2023
A scheme is a systematic plan or arrangement, often with intent, while a schema is a blueprint or framework, usually representing cognitive structures or database outlines.
Key Differences
A scheme often denotes an organized plan or strategy, typically created for a specific purpose or objective. On the contrary, a schema refers to an abstract representation or framework that helps in organizing and interpreting information or data.
Schemes might be implemented in various contexts, such as projects, deceptive plots, or artistic designs. Schemas, meanwhile, are used to describe mental constructs in psychology or structured models in databases.
The word "scheme" can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying a crafty or underhanded plot. A schema remains neutral, usually suggesting a structure or pattern that aids understanding or organization.
In computer programming, a scheme might be seen as an outlined plan of action or algorithm. A schema, particularly in database contexts, defines the structure, relationships, and constraints of data.
In daily speech, one might refer to a "scheme" when discussing a strategic plan or design. The term "schema" might come up in conversations about cognitive processes or when dealing with structured data.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An organized plan or design
A structural outline or framework
Connotation
Can sometimes imply deception
Neutral, related to structure or pattern
Usage in Context
Artistic design, plot, project plan
Mental construct, database design
Disciplines
Found in general planning or strategies
Common in psychology, IT, and databases
Grammatical Form
Often used as a noun, sometimes a verb
Primarily used as a noun
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Scheme and Schema Definitions
Scheme
A plan or arrangement for a specific purpose.
She devised a scheme to renovate the old house.
Schema
A representation of a plan or theory in the form of a model.
The teacher used a schema to explain the water cycle.
Scheme
A plot with intent, often negative.
He was caught up in a get-rich-quick scheme.
Schema
A mental construct derived from experiences.
Childhood events shaped his mental schema about trust.
Scheme
A structured representation, especially in art or literature.
The narrative scheme of the novel was nonlinear.
Schema
A structured framework or outline.
The schema helped organize the essay.
Scheme
A systematic plan of action
"Did you ever carry out your scheme of writing a series of sonnets embodying all the great epochs of art?" (Edith Wharton).
Schema
A plan, outline, or model
A schema for prioritizing vaccinations.
A writer's schema for a novel.
Scheme
A secret or devious plan; a plot
A scheme to defraud investors.
Schema
(Psychology) A pattern imposed on complex reality or experience to assist in explaining it, mediate perception, or guide response.
Scheme
An orderly plan or arrangement of related parts
An irrigation scheme with dams, reservoirs, and channels.
Schema
An outline or image universally applicable to a general conception, under which it is likely to be presented to the mind (for example, a body schema).
Scheme
A chart, diagram, or outline of a system or object.
Schema
(databases) A formal description of the structure of a database: the names of the tables, the names of the columns of each table, and the data type and other attributes of each column.
Scheme
To contrive a plan or scheme for; plot
Scheming their revenge.
Schema
(markup languages) A formal description of data, data types, and data file structures, such as XML schemas for XML files.
Scheme
To make plans, especially secret or devious ones.
Schema
(logic) A formula in the metalanguage of an axiomatic system, in which one or more schematic variables appear, which stand for any term or subformula of the system, which may or may not be required to satisfy certain conditions.
Scheme
An artful deviation from the ordinary arrangement of words.
Schema
(Christianity) A monastic habit in the Greek Orthodox Church.
Scheme
(astrology) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
Schema
An outline or image universally applicable to a general conception, under which it is likely to be presented to the mind; as, five dots in a line are a schema of the number five; a preceding and succeeding event are a schema of cause and effect.
Scheme
A systematic plan of future action.
Schema
An internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world
Scheme
A plot or secret, devious plan.
Schema
A schematic or preliminary plan
Scheme
An orderly combination of related parts.
Schema
A blueprint in databases showing relationships between data.
The database schema underwent an update last week.
Scheme
A chart or diagram of a system or object.
Schema
An organized pattern of thought or behavior.
Her schema of the world is very optimistic.
Scheme
(mathematics) A mathematical structure that enlarges the notion of algebraic variety in several ways, such as taking account of multiplicities and allowing "varieties" defined over any commutative ring (e.g. Fermat curves over the integers).
Scheme
A council housing estate.
Scheme
(internet) Part of a uniform resource identifier indicating the protocol or other purpose, such as
http: or news:.Scheme
A portfolio of pension plans with related benefits comprising multiple independent members.
Scheme
(intransitive) To plot, or contrive a plan.
Scheme
(transitive) To plan; to contrive.
Scheme
A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system.
The appearance and outward scheme of things.
Such a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity.
Arguments . . . sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy.
The Revolution came and changed his whole scheme of life.
Scheme
A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form a scheme.
The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.
Scheme
Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline.
To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France.
Scheme
A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
A blue silk case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity.
He forms the well-concerted scheme of mischief;'T is fixed, 't is done, and both are doomed to death.
Artists and plans relieved my solemn hours;I founded palaces, and planted bowers.
Scheme
To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot.
That wickedness which schemed, and executed, his destruction.
Scheme
To form a scheme or schemes.
Scheme
An elaborate and systematic plan of action
Scheme
A statement that evades the question by cleverness or trickery
Scheme
A group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole;
A vast system of production and distribution and consumption keep the country going
Scheme
An internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world
Scheme
A schematic or preliminary plan
Scheme
Form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
Scheme
Devise a system or form a scheme for
Scheme
A systematic design or configuration.
The color scheme of the room was very soothing.
Scheme
An ordered system or method.
The company's new incentive scheme boosted employee morale.
FAQs
What is the primary purpose of a scheme?
A scheme usually denotes a planned strategy or design for a specific purpose.
Is a scheme always detailed?
Not necessarily; a scheme can be a general plan or a detailed layout.
Are schemes exclusive to any discipline?
No, schemes can be found in art, business, literature, and many other fields.
Can a scheme have a negative implication?
Yes, "scheme" can sometimes imply a deceptive or crafty plot.
Can "scheme" be used as a verb?
Yes, "to scheme" can mean to make plans, especially with a hidden motive.
In which field is "schema" frequently used?
Schemas are common in psychology, IT, database design, and cognitive science.
Is a schema tangible?
Not always; it can be a mental construct or a tangible representation like a database design.
What's the primary meaning of a schema?
A schema often refers to a structured framework or representation aiding in organization.
Are schemas always complex?
No, schemas can be simple outlines or intricate structures.
Does "schema" have plurals?
Yes, "schemas" or "schemata" can both be used as plural forms.
Can these words be used interchangeably?
No, while both involve organization, their contexts and connotations differ.
How do scheme and schema differ in IT?
In IT, a scheme might refer to a plan or method, while a schema often denotes database structure.
Can a scheme be a subset of a schema?
Conceptually, a specific plan (scheme) could fit within a broader framework (schema).
Do both terms originate from the same language?
Both terms have Greek origins, with "scheme" from "skhēma" and "schema" from "skhēmat."
Which term is older in usage?
"Scheme" has been in English since the 1500s, while "schema" was adopted in the 1800s.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
