Pronunciations (2)
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/kənˈtɹaɪv/
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kənˈtɹaɪv
Verb
To invent by an exercise of ingeniosity; to devise
- Examples
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[…]I cannot bear the idea of two young women traveling post by themselves. It is highly improper. You must contrive to send somebody.
Neither do thou imagine that I shall contrive aught against his life.
More examples (1)
With a little manœuvring they contrived to meet on the doorstep which was […] in a boiling stream of passers-by, hurrying business people speeding past in a flurry of fumes and dust in the bright haze.
To invent, to make devices; to form designs especially by improvisation.
To project, cast, or set forth, as in a projection of light.
To spend (time, or a period).
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
Verb
make or work out a plan for; devise
- Broader terms
- Examples
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They contrived to murder their boss
design a new sales strategy
More examples (1)
plan an attack
come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
- Broader terms
- Examples
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excogitate a way to measure the speed of light
put or send forth
- Examples
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She threw the flashlight beam into the corner
The setting sun threw long shadows
More examples (2)
cast a spell
cast a warm light