contrive
Translation
to devise, to invent, to scheme, to manage
Examples
He contrived a plan to escape.
He contrived a plan to escape.
She contrived to be there when he arrived.
She contrived to be there when he arrived.
Grammar Patterns
to contrive ((sth.)) to devise or invent (sth.) He contrived a new tool.
to contrive ((to-inf)) to manage to do (sth.) She contrived to win the game.
Similar Words
Synonyms: devise, invent, scheme, manage
Etymology
From Old French 'controver' (to find out, imagine), from 'con-' (together) and 'trover' (to find).
Memory Tips
Think of it as combining 'con' (with), 'try', and 'invent'. You try to invent something with skill.