This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
contrivance
[ kuhn-trahy-vuhns ]
/ kənˈtraɪ vəns /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
something contrived; a device, especially a mechanical one.
the act or manner of contriving; the faculty or power of contriving.
a plan or scheme; expedient.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!
Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.
Question 1 of 7
“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
OTHER WORDS FROM contrivance
non·con·triv·ance, nounpre·con·triv·ance, nounWords nearby contrivance
contributory, contributory negligence, con trick, contrite, contrition, contrivance, contrive, contrived, control, control account, control board
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use contrivance in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for contrivance
contrivance
/ (kənˈtraɪvəns) /
noun
something contrived, esp an ingenious device; contraption
the act or faculty of devising or adapting; inventive skill or ability
an artificial rather than natural selection or arrangement of details, parts, etc
an elaborate or deceitful plan or expedient; stratagem
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012