Search results
- 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"
Powered by Oxford Dictionaries
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 ]
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. 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.
If you describe something as a contrivance, you disapprove of it because it is unnecessary and artificial. [ formal , disapproval ] They wear simple clothes and shun modern contrivances.
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 ]
noun. something contrived, esp an ingenious device; contraption. 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. Discover More. Other Words From. non con·triv ance noun.
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.
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.
contrivance. From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English con‧triv‧ance /kənˈtraɪvəns/ noun formal 1 [ countable] something that is artificial or does not seem natural, but that helps something else to happen – usually used to show disapproval A ridiculous series of plot contrivances moves the film along. 2 [ countable, uncountable ...
