contrive

English

Etymology

Middle English contreve (“to invent”), Old French controver (French controuver), from trover (“to find”) (French trouver).

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪv

Verb

contrive (third-person singular simple present contrives, present participle contriving, simple past and past participle contrived)

1. To form by an exercise of ingenuity; to devise; to plan; to scheme; to plot.
   • 1813, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Modern Library Edition (1995), page 154

     ...I cannot bear the idea of two young women traveling post by themselves. It is highly improper. You must contrive to send somebody.

2. To invent, to make devices; to form designs especially by improvisation.
3. To project, cast, or set forth, as in a projection of light.

Derived terms

• contriver
• contrivance