Contrive
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /kənˈtɹaɪv/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Contrive is a verb meaning To invent by an exercise of ingeniosity; to devise.
Meaning
To invent by an exercise of ingeniosity; to devise.
More Meanings
- To invent, to make devices; to form designs especially by improvisation.
- To project, cast, or set forth, as in a projection of light.
- (obsolete, transitive) To spend (time, or a period).
Example Sentences
Neither do thou imagine that I shall contrive aught against his life.
[…]I cannot bear the idea of two young women traveling post by themselves. It is highly improper. You must contrive to send somebody.
With a little manœuvring they contrived to meet on the doorstep which was […] in a boiling stream of passers-by, hurrying business people speeding past in a flurry of fumes and dust in the bright haze.
Word Forms
- contrives
- contriving
- contrived
Synonyms for contrive
Depending on context, synonyms include becast, plan, scheme, plot, hatch, get.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include devise, invent, project, excogitate, formulate, cast.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.