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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 ]
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jun 2, 2024 · contrivance (plural contrivances) A device to perform a certain task; contraption. 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 ...
