Basic Details
Word: Contrive
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To think of a clever plan or idea to achieve something.
Synonyms: Invent, devise, formulate
Antonyms: Discourage, prevent, hinder
Idioms and Phrases
- Contrive a plan: To create or come up with a plan. Example: "They managed to contrive a plan to surprise her on her birthday."
- Contrive to do something: To manage to do something by clever means. Example: "She contrived to finish her project ahead of time despite the challenges."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The team worked together to contrive a brilliant strategy for the game.
Example 2: He was able to contrive a new way to solve the puzzle that nobody had thought of before.
Example 3: To win the contest, they had to contrive an innovative approach that impressed the judges.
Fun Fact
The word "contrive" comes from the Latin word "contrivĕre," which means to "turn or twist together." This reflects the idea of making something by cleverly putting together different elements.
Famous Quote
"We are all apt to contrive means to make ourselves happy." — William James
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "contrive" mean?
a) To destroy something
b) To think of a clever plan
c) To forget an idea
d) To follow someone
Answer: b) To think of a clever plan
2. Which of these is a synonym of "contrive"?
a) Discourage
b) Invent
c) Hide
d) Waste
Answer: b) Invent
3. Which of these sentences uses "contrive" correctly?
a) She contrived her homework on the train.
b) He tried to contrive a way to travel without money.
c) They contrived very quickly and quietly during the meeting.
d) The puppy contrived to bark loudly.
Answer: b) He tried to contrive a way to travel without money.
4. Which idiom means creating a plan?
a) Cold as ice
b) Contrive a plan
c) Get to the bottom
d) Talk the talk
Answer: b) Contrive a plan
5. What is the opposite of "contrive"?
a) Assist
b) Encourage
c) Prevent
d) Create
Answer: c) Prevent
