contrivance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrivance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a device or scheme that is created to serve a particular purpose, often implying a sense of artificiality or cleverness. Example: "The inventor's latest contrivance was designed to simplify the process of recycling household waste."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paley's keystone claim is that "there cannot be design without a designer; contrivance, without a contriver; order, without choice;…means suitable to an end, and executing their office in accomplishing that end, without the end ever having been contemplated".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Naturally, for a slave to be freed requires a plot contrivance of some sort, but Schultz (or rather Waltz) having performed that function comes to dominate the film, which becomes in effect a buddy movie, though without much pretence of equality.

The Guardian - Film

Furthermore, it is concerning that Professor Greenwood is widely identified with the questionable doctrine of "pre-emptive self-defence" and with the contrivance of "continuing authority" relying on previous UN resolutions, which did not authorise the use of force.

The Guardian

"PEOPLE of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices," noted Adam Smith, the founding father of free-market economics, in his 1776 book "The Wealth of Nations".

The Economist

That acceleration is occurring just as it is observable by humans smells of coincidence or contrivance.

The Economist

He finds the product of his scheming less satisfying than the work that went into its contrivance; his whole career, he reflects, "has been an education in hypocrisy".

The Economist

The argument is that a regulatory scheme can be captured by the monopolists it is supposed to control, and transformed into "a conspiracy against the public, [a] contrivance to raise prices," to borrow Adam Smith's words.

The Economist

Indeed, after an all too familiar opening over food, the play runs aground in contrivance: will our overweight heroine (the charmingly husky-voiced Ashlie Atkinson) find romance with the sweet if forbiddingly fit Tom?

The Economist

If there is one criticism of this book, it is that there is an occasional sense of strain, of intellectual contrivance.

The Economist

Like their very names, Ms Wiggins's characters never quite dispel a whiff of contrivance.

The Economist

When, as Adam Smith once put it, talk turns to "some contrivance to raise prices", the best policy these days is just to say no.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrivance" when you want to emphasize the artificial or cleverly designed nature of a plan, device, or scheme. It suggests a level of ingenuity or manipulation.

Common error

Avoid using "contrivance" in contexts where a more neutral term like "method" or "device" would suffice. "Contrivance" often carries a connotation of artificiality or manipulation, which may not always be intended.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contrivance" is as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a thing or concept. As Ludwig AI points out, the word can refer to a mechanical device, a plan, or something artificial.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "contrivance" functions grammatically as a noun and is used to describe something cleverly designed or invented. While it appears across several contexts, it is most frequently found in news media and encyclopedia articles. Ludwig AI confirms that "contrivance" is usable in written English. When using this word, it's crucial to consider its connotations of artificiality and ingenuity. As shown in the various sources, "contrivance" can be used to denote a mechanical device, a strategy, or something overly artful. When writing, be mindful not to overuse "contrivance" in neutral contexts, where simpler terms might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scheme

Focuses more on the planning and potentially deceptive aspect of a plan.

device

Highlights the mechanical or practical aspect of something designed for a specific purpose.

design

Emphasizes the intentional creation or planning of something.

stratagem

Implies a cunning or deceptive plan to achieve a goal.

plot

Suggests a secret plan or scheme, often in a narrative context.

artifice

Highlights the clever or skillful use of deception.

expedient

Suggests a practical but potentially immoral way to deal with a situation.

maneuver

Highlights a strategic action or movement, often in a competitive situation.

machination

Implies a complex and often secret plot or scheme.

invention

Highlights the creativity and originality involved in creating something new.

FAQs

How can I use "contrivance" in a sentence?

You can use "contrivance" to describe a device, plan, or scheme that is cleverly designed or artificial. For example: "The plot of the movie relied heavily on narrative "contrivance"".

What are some synonyms for "contrivance"?

Alternatives to "contrivance" include "scheme", "device", "design", or "stratagem". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "contrivance" and "invention"?

"Invention" emphasizes the creation of something new and original, while "contrivance" highlights the clever or artificial design of something, whether new or not.

When is it appropriate to use "contrivance" instead of "method"?

Use "contrivance" when you want to suggest that a particular "method" is elaborate, artificial, or perhaps even manipulative. "Method" is a more neutral term.