contrive

[kənˈtraɪv]

contrive Definition

• 1. to plan cleverly; to devise; to invent
• 2. to bring about by stratagem or with difficulty; to manage

Using contrive: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "contrive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He contrived a way to get us all out of the building safely.

• Example

  She contrived to make him jealous.

• Example

  The author contrived a surprising ending to the story.

contrive Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for contrive

• devise
• plan
• invent
• design
• formulate

Antonyms for contrive

• destroy
• ruin
• demolish

Phrases with contrive

• contrive to do something

  to succeed in doing something difficult or unexpected

  Example

  He contrived to escape from prison.

• contrive something out of something

  to make something using whatever is available

  Example

  She contrived a meal out of the few ingredients she had left in the kitchen.

• contrive against someone

  to secretly plan to harm or deceive someone

  Example

  He felt that his colleagues were contriving against him.

Origins of contrive

from Latin 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'trivium' meaning 'place where three roads meet'

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Summary: contrive in Brief

The verb 'contrive' [kənˈtraɪv] means to cleverly plan, devise, or invent something, or to bring about something with difficulty. It can be used in phrases like 'contrive to do something,' meaning to succeed in doing something difficult, and 'contrive something out of something,' meaning to make something using whatever is available.