contrive

American  

[kuhn-trahyv] / kənˈtraɪv /

verb (used with object)

contrived, contriving

1. to plan with ingenuity; devise; invent.

   The author contrived a clever plot.

   Synonyms:

   concoct, design

2. to bring about or effect by a plan, scheme, or the like; manage.

   He contrived to gain their votes.

3. to plot (evil, treachery, etc.).

   Synonyms:

   scheme, conspire

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verb (used without object)

contrived, contriving

1. to form designs; plan.

2. to plot.

   Synonyms:

   connive

contrive British  

/ kənˈtraɪv /

verb

1. (tr) to manage (something or to do something), esp by means of a trick; engineer

   he contrived to make them meet

2. (tr) to think up or adapt ingeniously or elaborately

   he contrived a new mast for the boat

3. to plot or scheme (treachery, evil, etc)

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Related Words

See prepare.

Other Word Forms

• contrivable
  adjective
• contriver
  noun
• precontrive
  verb
• uncontriving
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of contrive

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English contreven, from Middle French contreuv-, tonic stem of controver “to devise, invent,” Old French: “to decide, agree upon,” from Late Latin contropāre “to compare,” equivalent to con- con- + (unattested) tropāre (becoming French trouver “to find”; see trover); development of vowel unclear

Explanation

When you contrive, you make a plan or a plot. It may take you longer to contrive your way out of doing your homework than would to actually do it. Even though contrive often has a false or cunning feel to it, it is not always a bad thing. Mental effort is always required though, as contrive is often used in connection with inventing schemes and plans to make something happen. Contraption, a complicated mysterious device that does something, is related to contrive. Have you ever seen a Rube Goldberg contraption? When you contrive to do something, your plan may end up being that complicated.

Example Sentences

So this week: Contrive an elaborate scenario that ends in a novel groaner pun on a familiar expression, title, etc.

From Washington Post

"Contrive to let her know that I am here," I said quietly.

From First Person Paramount by Pratt, Ambrose

"Contrive to pass near me as you go out—be cautious!"

From An Unwilling Maid Being the History of Certain Episodes during the American Revolution in the Early Life of Mistress Betty Yorke, born Wolcott by Lincoln, Jeanie Gould

Contrive to let me have an interview with Madame the Countess.

From The Bright Face of Danger Being an Account of Some Adventures of Henri de Launay, Son of the Sieur de la Tournoire by Stephens, Robert Neilson

Contrive in some way to have that clerk sent to me.

From The Real Man by Lynde, Francis

Related Words

• concoct
• devise
• dream up
• fabricate
• improvise
• manipulate