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Antonyms for contrive


Grammar : Verb
Spell : kuhn-trahyv
Phonetic Transcription : kənˈtraɪv



Definition of contrive

Origin :
  • early 14c., from Old French controver (Modern French controuver) "to find out, contrive, imagine," from Late Latin contropare "to compare" (via a figure of speech), from Latin com- "with" (see com-) + tropus "song, musical mode," from Greek tropos "figure of speech" (see trope).
  • Sense evolution (in French) was from "invent with ingenuity" to "invent falsely." Spelled contreve until unexplained 15c. sound change that also affected briar, friar, choir. Related: Contrived; contriving.
  • verb invent, design
  • verb bring about, succeed with difficulty
Example sentences :
  • You little witch, how did you contrive to make a fool of a man like me!
  • Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald
  • "That's all right," Garson replied, with such carelessness of manner as he could contrive.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • There is no doubt, replied Altamont, of its utility; but how would you contrive to make it?
  • Extract from : « The Field of Ice » by Jules Verne
  • What a vast deal of work you do contrive to cut out for yourself.
  • Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 9 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth
  • If you, Mr. Temple, can contrive to pass this week at Mr. Percy's, let me not detain you.
  • Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 8 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth
  • But I wish she would not contrive to be always in the right.
  • Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 8 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth
  • Contrive to be in the garden, in disguise, if possible, and unseen by your young lady.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 3 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • Once there, we shall be able to contrive an interview with Mr. Dunbar.
  • Extract from : « Henry Dunbar » by M. E. Braddon
  • Ah, that is unlucky; but never mind, we must contrive to get on without it.
  • Extract from : « Henry Dunbar » by M. E. Braddon
  • But the moment we cease to report and attempt to correct and contrive, it is not truth.
  • Extract from : « Essays, First Series » by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Synonyms for contrive

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