Definition & Meaning of "contrivance"in English

Contrivance

NOUN

a device, tool, or mechanism designed to perform a specific function or task efficiently

Examples

He invented a clever contrivance to open stubborn jars.

The kitchen was full of contrivances for cooking and baking.

the ability to invent or solve problems through clever thinking

Examples

Her contrivance was evident in the way she solved the puzzle.

The engineer 's contrivance led to a breakthrough in design.

an improvised or makeshift arrangement used temporarily

Examples

They set up a contrivance of chairs and planks as a temporary table.

The campers built a contrivance to hold their pots over the fire.

an elaborate, deceitful, or cleverly planned scheme designed to mislead or evade

Examples

The spy 's contrivance fooled the enemy for months.

His contrivance to avoid taxes was eventually discovered.

an artificial, unnatural, or obviously staged arrangement of details or elements

Examples

The movie 's ending felt like a contrivance, too forced to be believable.

Critics called the dialogue a contrivance, lacking real emotion.

a plot device or literary technique used to resolve a difficult situation in an unexpected or artificial way

What is "contrivance"?

A contrivance is a literary device or plot element that is artificially created or engineered to advance the plot or resolve a conflict. It often refers to a plot twist, solution, or situation that feels overly convenient, forced, or unrealistic. For instance, if a character suddenly discovers a hidden letter that provides crucial information to solve a mystery, and this letter just happens to be in the exact place needed, it might be considered a contrivance. The term is generally used to describe plot devices that seem forced or implausible, rather than arising naturally from the story.

Examples

The hero 's sudden inheritance was a convenient contrivance.

Critics noted the contrivance that solved the story's central conflict.

Lexical Tree