contrive

[ kuhn-trahyv ]

verb (used with object)

, con·trived, con·triv·ing.

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

verb (used without object)

, con·trived, con·triv·ing.

1. to form designs; plan.
2. to plot.

   Synonyms: connive

contrive

/ 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)

Derived Forms

• conˈtriver, noun
• conˈtrivable, adjective

Other Words From

• con·triva·ble adjective
• con·triver noun
• precon·trive verb precontrived precontriving
• uncon·triving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrive¹

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”; trover ); development of vowel unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrive¹

C14: from Old French controver, from Late Latin contropāre to represent by figures of speech, compare, from Latin com- together + tropus figure of speech, trope

Synonym Study

See prepare.

Example Sentences

England contrived to win the match twice over and then, with the clock deep in the red, lost it again on a fatal, final play.

From BBC

"It’s obvious this fake story was contrived by the Harris campaign to distract from the deeply concerning and newly unearthed allegations that the Second 'Gentleman,' Doug Emhoff, 'forcefully slapped' his ex-girlfriend.'"

From BBC

When I looked back on my life and my upbringing, I had a contrived association with beauty because I didn’t see myself in the media growing up.

From Los Angeles Times

Everything is contrived to keep you living in the box.

From BBC

The contrived third act notwithstanding, expect audiences in movie theaters to engage with “The Front Room” in audible gasps, one nauseating stunt at a time.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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