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Contrive: meaning, definitions and examples

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contrive

 

[ kənˈtraɪv ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

invent

To contrive means to create or invent something in a clever or skillful way. It can also refer to devising a plan or scheme, often with a sense of cunning or deception.

Synonyms

design, devise, engineer, formulate, plot

Examples of usage

  • He contrived a plan to escape from the prison.
  • She contrived a clever solution to the problem.
  • The villain contrived a plot to steal the treasure.
  • Despite the odds, he contrived a way to succeed.
  • The detective contrived a clever trap to catch the criminal.
Context #2 | Noun

device

As a noun, contrive can refer to a device or gadget, especially one that is cleverly made or put together.

Synonyms

creation, device, gadget, invention

Examples of usage

  • The contrive helped him solve the puzzle.
  • She admired the intricate contrive of the machine.

Translations

Translations of the word "contrive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inventar

🇮🇳 सृजन करना

🇩🇪 erfinden

🇮🇩 menciptakan

🇺🇦 вигадати

🇵🇱 wymyślić

🇯🇵 考案する (こうあんする)

🇫🇷 inventer

🇪🇸 idear

🇹🇷 icat etmek

🇰🇷 고안하다

🇸🇦 اخترع

🇨🇿 vymyslet

🇸🇰 vymyslieť

🇨🇳 发明 (fāmíng)

🇸🇮 izumiti

🇮🇸 finna upp

🇰🇿 ойлап табу

🇬🇪 გამოგონება

🇦🇿 icad etmək

🇲🇽 idear

Etymology

The word 'contrive' originated from the Latin word 'contrivere', meaning 'to invent or devise'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century. Over the years, 'contrive' has evolved to encompass both the sense of inventing or creating something cleverly and the notion of devising a plan or scheme, often with cunning or skill.

See also: contrived.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,567, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.