Contrive

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

English (US): /kənˈtraɪv/

English (UK): /kənˈtraɪv/

Definitions

• To create or bring about an object, situation, or plan through skill or trickery.
• To manage or devise a way to do something, especially with difficulty.
• To engineer or invent something in a clever or deceitful way.

Usage Examples

• She managed to contrive an excuse to leave the meeting early.
• The criminals contrived an elaborate plan to escape from prison.
• The engineer contrived a new mechanism to improve efficiency.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "contreven," influenced by Old French "controver" (to find a way or plan). The Latin root "contropare" means to compare, imagine, or devise.

Synonyms

• Devise
• Engineer
• Invent
• Fabricate
• Scheme

Antonyms

• Disorganize
• Neglect
• Fail

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /kənˈtraɪv/
• British English: /kənˈtraɪv/

Historical Usage

The word "contrive" has been used since the 14th century, often in literature and historical documents to describe acts of ingenuity, deception, or survival. It gained popularity in the 17th century as a term for cunningly devised schemes.

Cultural Nuances

In English-speaking cultures, "contrive" can carry both positive and negative connotations. It may imply clever problem-solving, but it can also suggest manipulation or artificiality in some contexts.

More Information

"Contrive" is a versatile word used across various domains, from engineering to storytelling. Whether used to describe the invention of a machine or the plotting of a novel, it signifies human creativity and ingenuity.