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

He is sometimes inspired to make a poor choice, but, as with the silent comedians of old, the universe will contrive to save him.

From Los Angeles Times

As Mariko, Sawai, recently seen in “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” is the picture of melancholic resolve, and the filmmakers contrive to highlight her otherworldly beauty, filling the screen with her face at every opportunity.

From Los Angeles Times

Or might they contrive to block the constitutional change on the basis that for Mayotte alone it is too restrictive?

From BBC

“In short,” Leonardo concludes modestly, “I can contrive an infinite variety of machines for attack or defense.”

From Literature

Two years later, and after missing out on Qatar 2022 there are fears that Italy will somehow contrive to once again be absent from a major tournament.

From BBC

Related Words

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