Word
contrived
Phoneticscon·trived, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈtɹaɪvd/
UK/kəntɹˈaɪvd/
Definition
adj. unnatural or forced. You use this to describe a story, situation, or behavior that feels fake because it was planned too carefully.
adj. deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously. Often describes literary plots or social behaviors that appear artificial, strained, or lacking in authenticity.
Examples
“The movie's happy ending felt very contrived.”
“The dialogue in the play sounded contrived, as if the characters were reading from a textbook rather than speaking naturally.”
“Critics dismissed the novel's resolution as a contrived sequence of coincidences that served the author's thematic goals at the expense of narrative credibility.”
Examples
simple
“The movie's happy ending felt very contrived.”
contextual
“The dialogue in the play sounded contrived, as if the characters were reading from a textbook rather than speaking naturally.”
complex
“Critics dismissed the novel's resolution as a contrived sequence of coincidences that served the author's thematic goals at the expense of narrative credibility.”
Usage
Typically follows a linking verb like 'feel', 'seem', or 'sound'; can also be used attributively before a noun.
Real-World Examples
“Somehow he contrived to lift the ball over the empty goal.” “Soon, whichever AI monkey is in charge of storyboarding has contrived to bring Andi and Allison together to investigate what they believe to be murder.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/contrived