contrivance — a device or scheme created to achieve a particular purpose, often ingeniously or artificially
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a device or scheme created to achieve a particular purpose, often ingeniously or artificially
Pronunciation (IPA): /kənˈtraɪvəns/
Example Sentences
- His excuse was such an obvious contrivance that nobody believed it.
- The Rube Goldberg machine was a wonderfully complex contrivance that took 50 steps to crack an egg.
- She created a clever contrivance to water her plants while she was away.
contrivance
NOUN[/kənˈtraɪvəns/]
a device or scheme created to achieve a particular purpose, often ingeniously or artificially
An elaborate device for simple tasks
His contrivance gave the figurines a chance to dance!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin contrivare, formed from con- (together) and trivare (to find, discover). The word developed from the literal sense of 'finding together' to mean devising or planning something, eventually denoting a device or plan, especially one that is ingenious or contrived.
Breakdown
con- (together) + trivare (to find, discover) + -ance (noun suffix indicating action or result). The root trivare relates to Latin trivium (crossroads, meeting place), suggesting the convergence of ideas or means to achieve an end.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His excuse was such an obvious contrivance that nobody believed it.”
“The Rube Goldberg machine was a wonderfully complex contrivance that took 50 steps to crack an egg.”
“She created a clever contrivance to water her plants while she was away.”
“The magician's hat was full of contrivances to make rabbits appear from nowhere.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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