verb
contrive
kun-TRYVE/kənˈtraɪv/
To accomplish something through inventive planning.
The teenager contrives a pulley system to water the high window plant.
Etymology
“Together” and “figure of speech” underlie an ancestor meaning to compare through figurative language. The later sense of ingenious invention connects this ancestry to devising a plan or managing something by a scheme.
In context
If you mention any giant in your book contrive that it shall be the giant Goliath, and with this alone, which will cost you almost nothing, you have a grand note
More examples
- They contrived to feed six guests with just a few ingredients.
- He contrives an excuse to leave the meeting early.
- By sharing rides, we contrive to keep our travel costs down.
Forms
contrive · contrives · contrived · contriving
contrivance noun — A device or plan cleverly devised.