contrivance
1
7.9
- noun
- /kənˈtraɪvəns/
:
artilugio
- We see a mechanical contrivance turn the page.
- a mechanical contrivance
It is not possible for me to describe that house which is more like a single room with rows of cabinet like contrivances or balconies, one on top another.
- It is not possible for me to describe that house which is more like a single room with rows of cabinet like contrivances or balconies, one on top another.
Examples
-
There was no need to worry that my little contrivance would be exposed.
Fiction book (1994) -
His contrivance is always cited as the first example of jet propulsion.
Academic text (2003) -
He'd never seen such an odd contrivance to latch a gate; the rust didn't make it work any better, either.
Fiction book (1999) -
As in Election Night, the upper zone of Movies, Five Cents is defined by the presence of nonhuman, mechanical contrivances: the projected image, the lighted exit sign, the electric fan, and the glowing bulb at right.
Academic text (2011) -
The engineer designed a simple contrivance to lift heavy boxes onto the shelf.
-
She used a makeshift contrivance to hold the door open while she carried groceries inside.
-
His creative contrivance allowed him to water the plants automatically while he was away.
Synonyms
142
2.9
A small useful tool or machine for a special job
115
2.3
A machine used at home for jobs like cooking and cleaning
107
3.5
A new tool or method made to solve a problem
59
5.1
A small useful thing or tool for a particular job
58
2.8
A small machine or control that makes a task easier
56
7.1
A small device or tool whose name you do not know
54
7.7
A strange machine or tool that looks complicated and hard to use
23
4.1
A tool used for a specific job, like in a kitchen or on a farm
1
8.0
A thing that helps achieve a goal, like a tool or method
1
8.9
A temporary structure people build quickly from things at hand
A complicated machine with many parts and no clear purpose
A small device you do not know the name of
How Complex
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Contrivance comes from the verb contrive, which means 'to make' or 'to invent'. That is why a contrivance can be a small device or tool someone builds for a particular job.