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deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously.
synonyms:forcedartificial
The word 'contrived' comes from the Latin 'contrivĕre', meaning 'to devise or plan'. It entered the English language in the early 19th century.
The term is commonly used in everyday language to describe situations, actions, or stories that feel unnatural or overly engineered.
While 'contrived' is not used in everyday conversation, it appears often in literary critiques and discussions about storytelling or artificial scenarios.
The plot of the movie felt contrived, with twists that seemed unlikely and forced.
His explanation for arriving late was so contrived that no one believed him.
The artist's latest work was criticized for its contrived themes and lack of authenticity.
The word 'contrived' paints a picture of something that feels overly planned or unnatural, often leaving a sense of discomfort or disbelief. It has roots in Latin, highlighting its long-standing presence in the English language. Used frequently in literary and artistic discussions, it helps express the idea that some things, while perhaps interesting, lack the organic quality we often crave. So next time you encounter a plot twist that feels a bit too neat, you might just call it 'contrived'!