First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
contrive
verb con·trive \kən-ˈtrīv\
: to form or think of (a plan, method, etc.)
: to form or make (something) in a skillful or clever way
: to make (something) happen in a clever way or with difficulty
con·trivedcon·triv·ing
Full Definition of CONTRIVE
transitive verb
1
2
: to bring about by stratagem or with difficulty : manage <he contrived to win their support>
intransitive verb
: to make schemes
— con·triv·er noun
See contrive defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CONTRIVE
Middle English controven, contreven, from Anglo-French controver, contrever, from Medieval Latin contropare to compare, from Latin com- + Vulgar Latin *tropare to compose, find — more at troubadour
Related to CONTRIVE
- Synonyms
- concoct, construct, invent, cook (up), devise, drum up, excogitate, fabricate, make up, manufacture, think (up), trump up, vamp (up)
Rhymes with CONTRIVE
CONTRIVER Defined for Kids
contrive
verb con·trive \kən-ˈtrīv\
con·trivedcon·triv·ing
Definition of CONTRIVE for Kids
2
: to form or make in some skillful or clever way <He contrived a small pipe out of the piece of wood.>
3
: to manage to bring about or do <She contrived to get there on time.>
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