Contrivances

Contrivances refer to clever or ingenious devices, mechanisms, or schemes designed to achieve a particular purpose. They often imply an artificial or elaborate construction, sometimes with a subtle or even deceptive intent. These are frequently used to circumvent a problem, create an advantage, or achieve a desired outcome. They often possess a degree of complexity, potentially requiring skillful manipulation or hidden aspects. The term can also apply to abstract plans or strategies, emphasizing their carefully constructed and purposeful nature. These are often associated with inventive solutions to challenges. They can sometimes be viewed critically, implying artificiality or a lack of straightforwardness, depending on the context.

Contrivances meaning with examples

• The escape artist revealed a series of elaborate contrivances hidden within his performance, including hidden compartments and cleverly disguised locks that baffled the audience, and demonstrated his genius. Each device, a testament to his years of practice and meticulous planning, allowed him to seemingly disappear and reappear at will, creating a mesmerizing illusion. The contrivances added a layer of intrigue.
• The inventor unveiled his new invention, a complex system of gears and levers, declaring it a marvel of engineering. This intricate contrivance was designed to automate the process, a complex piece of equipment. Its purpose was to streamline production, showcasing ingenuity. However, critics questioned its long-term reliability, hinting at the contrivance's delicate and potentially fragile nature, which needed regular upkeep.
• Faced with a budget shortfall, the politician proposed a series of financial contrivances designed to balance the books without raising taxes. These included complex tax credits, and accounting strategies. Critics argued that these were mere accounting contrivances. While technically legal, they lacked transparency and might create instability. These actions made people wary of government tactics and strategies, leaving the public apprehensive.
• In the world of espionage, the spy relied on a network of ingenious contrivances to gather information and evade detection. These included coded messages, hidden microphones, and elaborate disguises, each meticulously designed to deceive and protect his identity. His success depended on his ability to utilize these tools, proving that such devices were necessary to thrive in the business. These were crucial tools of his trade.
• The playwright employed several theatrical contrivances, such as flashbacks and soliloquies, to reveal the protagonist's inner turmoil and advance the plot. These techniques, though sometimes considered melodramatic, enhanced the narrative, creating drama. They allowed the audience a deeper understanding of the character's motivations and the story's complexity, enriching the performance.