contrive

/kənˈtraɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtraɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈtrīv/ (ame, mw)

contrive — verb

  • contrivepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • contriveshe / she / it
  • contrivedpast simple
  • contriving-ing form

1. to make something happen, or to succeed in doing something difficult, by plannin

1.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to make something happen, or to succeed in doing something difficult, by planning cleverly and using what is available

例句

Noa contrived a meeting with the editor after the public talk.

contrive + noun for a planned result

Caio contrived to leave early by offering to deliver the files.

contrive to + verb despite difficulty

同義詞
  • arrange

    more neutral and ordinary, with less sense of ingenuity

  • engineer

    often suggests deliberately causing a result

  • manage

    stresses eventual success more than clever planning

文法句型

contrive to + verb

contrive + noun

用法筆記

Often followed by to + verb when the focus is managing despite difficulty. With a noun object, it usually suggests a deliberately planned result rather than an ordinary arrangement.

2. to design and make a useful object by using an unusual idea or method

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to design and make a useful object by using an unusual idea or method

例句

Baraka contrived a lamp from scrap wood and an old jar.

contrive + object from + material

Lien contrived a simple hook to lift the lid safely.

contrive + object for a practical job

同義詞
  • devise

    very close, especially for tools, methods, or plans

  • invent

    the common word for creating something new

  • improvise

    stresses making something from available materials

文法句型

contrive + object

contrive + object + from + material

用法筆記

The object is usually a tool, device, or other practical thing. Distinguish this sense from sense 1, which focuses on arranging events or outcomes.