contrive

[kuhn-trahyv]

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

verb (used without object)

contrived, contriving 

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)

Other Word Forms

• contriver noun
• contrivable adjective
• precontrive verb
• uncontriving 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

John Adams, the nation’s first vice president, declared the position to be “the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived, or his imagination conceived.”

From Salon

Despite this catalog of current and easily predictable future horrors, America keeps up a façade of normality: the manic cheerfulness of TV newscasters, the moronic sitcoms, the contrived crime dramas.

From Salon

This was a huge deal for a contrived unscripted series that simulates the search for love and romance; rarely do contestants find the real thing.

From Salon

The Guardian is relatively kinder, summing up Season 2 as “so painfully contrived that it’s genuinely fascinating.”

From Salon

With the Proteas recommencing their first innings on the fifth day Cronje - prompted by a bookie named Marlon Aronstam - contrived an unprecedented innings forfeiture for both sides to ensure a result.

From BBC

Related Words

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