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Definition of Contrive
1. Verb. Make or work out a plan for; devise. "Did he contrive his major works over a short period of time?"; "Plan an attack"
Generic synonyms: Create By Mental Act, Create Mentally
Specialized synonyms: Plot, Concert, Map, Map Out
Derivative terms: Contriver, Design, Design, Design, Plan, Plan, Planner, Planning, Project, Project
2. Verb. Come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort. "Did he contrive his major works over a short period of time?"; "Excogitate a way to measure the speed of light"
Generic synonyms: Create By Mental Act, Create Mentally
Derivative terms: Contrivance, Devisal, Deviser, Devising, Excogitation, Excogitation, Excogitator, Formula, Formulation, Invention, Invention, Inventive, Inventor
3. Verb. Put or send forth. "Cast a warm light"
Generic synonyms: Direct, Send
Specialized synonyms: Shoot
Derivative terms: Cast
Definition of Contrive
1. v. t. To form by an exercise of ingenuity; to devise; to invent; to design; to plan.
2. v. i. To make devices; to form designs; to plan; to scheme; to plot.
Definition of Contrive
1. Verb. To form by an exercise of ingenuity; to devise; to plan; to scheme; to plot. ¹
2. Verb. To invent, to make devices; to form designs especially by improvisation. ¹
3. Verb. To project, cast, or set forth, as in a projection of light. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Contrive
1. to devise [v -TRIVED, -TRIVING, -TRIVES] - See also: devise
Lexicographical Neighbors of Contrive
Literary usage of Contrive
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. A Complete Dictionary of the English Language, Both with Regard to Sound and ...by Thomas Sheridan by Thomas Sheridan (1790)
"To contrive, kon-trl've. va To plan out ; to find out means. To contrive, kon-trl've.
vn CONTRI VEMENT, ..."
2. The life and adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (1883)
"... am unable to get it down to the water—Serious reflections—My ink and biscuit
exhausted, and clothes in a bad state—contrive to make a dress of skins. ..."
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