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"

Exact synonyms: Design, Plan, Project
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"

3. Verb. Put or send forth. "Cast a warm light"
Exact synonyms: Cast, Project, Throw
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

contributress
contributrix
contrist
contristed
contristing
contrists
contrite
contritely
contriteness
contritenesses
contrition
contritions
contrivable
contrivance
contrivances
contrive (current term)
contrived
contrivement
contrivements
contriver
contrivers
contrives
contriving
contro-
control
control-freak
control account
control animal
control arm
control board

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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