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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 ]
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.
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 ]
[formal, disapproval] They wear simple clothes and shun modern contrivances. ...music with a tendency towards contrivance and lack of substance. Synonyms: device, machine, equipment, gear More Synonyms of contrivance. 2. countable noun. A contrivance is an unfair or dishonest scheme or trick to gain an advantage for yourself.
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. 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.
There are ten meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun contrivance, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
CONTRIVANCE meaning: 1 : something that causes things to happen in a story in a way that does not seem natural or believable; 2 : the use of contrivances in a story.
the act or faculty of devising or adapting; inventive skill or ability. an artificial rather than natural selection or arrangement of details, parts, etc. an elaborate or deceitful plan or expedient; stratagem.
