contrivance
noun/kənˈtraɪvəns/
/kənˈtraɪvəns/
(formal)- [countable, uncountable] (usually disapproving) something that somebody has done or written that does not seem natural; the fact of seeming artificial
- The film is spoilt by unrealistic contrivances of plot.
- The story is told with a complete absence of contrivance.
- Examinations are a contrivance to see how a student tackles new problems.
- [countable] a clever or complicated device or tool made for a particular purpose
- His workshop was full of mechanical contrivances.
- [countable, uncountable] a clever plan or trick; the act of using a clever plan or trick
- an ingenious contrivance to get her to sign the document without reading it
Check pronunciation:
contrivance