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- Dictionarycontrivance/kənˈtrʌɪvns/
noun
- 1. the use of skill to create or bring about something, especially with a consequent effect of artificiality: "the requirements of the system, by happy chance and some contrivance, can be summed up in an acronym" Similar
- 2. a device, especially in literary or artistic composition, which gives a sense of artificiality: "the often tiresome contrivances of historical fiction"
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the act of intentionally arranging for something to happen by clever planning, or something that is arranged in this way: Because of the timing, I'm sure the salary freeze is a deliberate contrivance, not a coincidence. I think the meeting happened more by contrivance than chance. [ C ]
the act of intentionally arranging for something to happen by clever planning, or something that is arranged in this way: Because of the timing, I'm sure the salary freeze is a deliberate contrivance, not a coincidence. I think the meeting happened more by contrivance than chance. [ C ]
1. a. : a thing contrived. especially : a mechanical device. modern contrivances to cook food faster. b. : an artificial arrangement or development. Mistaken identity is used as a plot contrivance in the story. 2. : the act or faculty of contriving : the state of being contrived. Synonyms. appliance. contraption. gadget. gimmick. gizmo. gismo.
A contrivance is a gadget or device that can be used for some particular purpose. The spinning blade of a blender is a contrivance that turns fruits and yogurt into a tasty smoothie. Yum. A contrivance is a useful device or tool.
1. something contrived, esp an ingenious device; contraption. 2. the act or faculty of devising or adapting; inventive skill or ability. 3. an artificial rather than natural selection or arrangement of details, parts, etc.
noun. /kənˈtraɪvəns/ (formal) [countable, uncountable] (usually disapproving) something that somebody has done or written that does not seem natural; the fact of seeming artificial. The film is spoilt by unrealistic contrivances of plot. The story is told with a complete absence of contrivance.
1. If you describe something as a contrivance, you disapprove of it because it is unnecessary and artificial. [formal, disapproval] [...] 2. A contrivance is an unfair or dishonest scheme or trick to gain an advantage for yourself. [...] More. Pronunciations of 'contrivance' American English: kəntraɪvəns British English: kəntraɪvəns. More.
noun. 1. something contrived; a device, esp. a mechanical one. 2. the act or manner of contriving; the faculty or power of contriving. 3. a plan or scheme; expedient.
Contrivance Definition. The act, way, or power of contriving. The state of being contrived. Something contrived, as an invention, mechanical device, or ingenious plan. A means, such as an elaborate plan or strategy, to accomplish a certain objective.
Baseball: "an incredibly complex contrivance that seems to have been created by a chauvinistic mathematician." From The Daily Beast He dwelt upon this contrivance, until it seemed too complicated for success.