contrive
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to form designs; plan.
-
to plot.
- Synonyms:
- connive
verb
-
(tr) to manage (something or to do something), esp by means of a trick; engineer
he contrived to make them meet
-
(tr) to think up or adapt ingeniously or elaborately
he contrived a new mast for the boat
-
to plot or scheme (treachery, evil, etc)
Synonym Usage
See prepare.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has contrivedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have contrivedperfect
-
am contrivingprogressive 1st person singular
-
have been contrivingperfect progressive
-
has been contrivingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
are contrivingprogressive
-
is contrivingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
contrivingparticiple
-
contrivessingular 3rd person
Past
-
had contrivedperfect
-
had been contrivingperfect progressive
-
was contrivingprogressive singular
-
contrivedsimple
-
contrivedparticiple
-
were contrivingprogressive plural
Future
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.
Vocabulary lists containing contrive
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Animal Farm
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Words for the High School Graduate
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
So this week: Contrive an elaborate scenario that ends in a novel groaner pun on a familiar expression, title, etc.
From Washington Post
In general those who have nothing to say Contrive to spend the longest time in doing it.—Lowell.
From Toaster's Handbook Jokes, Stories, and Quotations by Fanning, C. E. (Clara Elizabeth)
Contrive to have some convenient rest for your arms in holding the glass, and thus obtain not only comfort but steadiness of vision.
From Astronomy with an Opera-glass A Popular Introduction to the Study of the Starry Heavens with the Simplest of Optical Instruments by Serviss, Garrett Putman
"Contrive, if possible, that I go with you," continued he; "I must leave you now; he still paces his room."
From The Phantom Ship by Marryat, Frederick
Contrive a new machine, and every body will be interested to witness or to hear of its operation.
From The Teacher by Abbott, Jacob
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
