Contrived: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ญ
contrived
[kษnหtraษชvd ]
Definitions
invented or created in a forced or artificial way
Contrived refers to something that seems unnatural, forced, or artificial, as if it was created in a deliberate and sometimes clumsy manner. It often implies that the outcome is not genuine or sincere.
Synonyms
artificial, forced, staged, strained, unnatural.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contrived |
Use when describing something that seems overly planned, lacking spontaneity. Often used in literature, film, or situations that feel insincere.
|
| artificial |
Best used when talking about something man-made or a situation that feels fake or not genuine. This can describe physical objects or feelings.
|
| forced |
Applies to situations, gestures, or expressions that seem unnatural and insincere. It often has a negative connotation.
|
| unnatural |
Used when something does not occur naturally or seems out of place. This can describe behavior, situations, or physical phenomena.
|
| strained |
Refers to situations or relationships that are under stress and lack ease. It's used when something feels uncomfortable or forced.
|
| staged |
Used when describing events or scenes that appear to be arranged or set up, especially for dramatic effect. Often implies premeditation.
|
Examples of usage
- The contrived plot of the movie made it hard to believe in the characters' actions.
- Her contrived smile didn't fool anyone; it was obvious she was unhappy.
to plan or create something in a clever but artificial way
As a verb, contrived means to plan or create something in a clever but often artificial or unrealistic way. It suggests a deliberate effort to make something happen or appear in a particular manner.
Synonyms
design, devise, orchestrate, plan, scheme.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contrived |
Used when something seems artificial rather than natural, often perceived as forced or overly planned.
|
| devise |
Used when coming up with a new plan, method, or solution, particularly in a creative or clever way.
|
| plan |
Describes the act of making a detailed proposal for achieving something, often involving steps and considerations.
|
| design |
Refers to the creation or planning of something in an intentional way, such as the structure of a building, a product, or a plan.
|
| orchestrate |
Implies organizing or arranging something complex, often involving multiple elements or people, sometimes with a connotation of control.
|
| scheme |
Can refer to a detailed systemic plan, especially for achieving a particular objective, but often carries a negative connotation of being secretive or dishonest.
|
Examples of usage
- She contrived a way to sneak out of the house without being noticed.
- He contrived a story to explain his absence from work.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'contrived' comes from the Latin 'contrivere,' meaning to contrive or devise.
- The term entered the English language in the early 17th century, taking on the meaning of something that is purposefully created.
- Over time, it has shifted to often describe actions or situations that seem unrealistic or artificial.
Literature
- In storytelling, characters or plots that feel contrived often detract from the audience's connection to the narrative.
- Famous critics have noted that overly convenient solutions in plots are examples of contrived writing.
- Contrived dialogue can make characters seem unrealistic, leading to less engaging stories.
Psychology
- Research suggests that people are more likely to reject conclusions or situations they perceive as contrived.
- The 'illusion of transparency' can cause people to think others perceive them as contrived or fake when they are simply nervous.
- In social interactions, overly rehearsed behavior can be regarded as contrived, leading to discomfort in genuine communication.
Pop Culture
- Many movies and TV shows are criticized for contrived plots that rely on improbable events to advance the story.
- Reality television often faces scrutiny for being contrived, as scenarios are frequently staged for dramatic effect.
- Fans of a popular series might debate whether certain character decisions feel contrived or true to their development.
Art
- In art criticism, a contrived piece may lack authenticity or emotional depth, often seen in overly technical works.
- Artists sometimes intentionally create contrived elements to challenge perceptions of reality and provoke thought.
- The tension between realism and contrived styles can create a unique viewing experience, inviting interpretation.
Translations
Translations of the word "contrived" in other languages:
๐ต๐น forรงado
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเคจเคพเคตเคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช gekรผnstelt
๐ฎ๐ฉ dibuat-buat
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะฐะดัะผะฐะฝะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ sztuczny
๐ฏ๐ต ไธ่ช็ถใช
๐ซ๐ท forcรฉ
๐ช๐ธ forzado
๐น๐ท zoraki
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ถ์์ฐ์ค๋ฌ์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุตุทูุน
๐จ๐ฟ pลitaลพenรฝ za vlasy
๐ธ๐ฐ vynรบtenรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๅไฝ็
๐ธ๐ฎ prisiljen
๐ฎ๐ธ รพvingaรฐur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถะฐัะฐะฝะดั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mษcburi
๐ฒ๐ฝ forzado