How to pronounce contrivance
Say it like kun-TRY-vuns. Contrivance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TRY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contrivance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- TRY
- vuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contrivance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TRYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- vunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of contrivance
American and British speakers say contrivance in essentially the same way: /kənˈtraɪvəns/ in the US and /kənˈtraɪvəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-TRY-vuns.
What does contrivance mean?
- A (mechanical) device to perform a certain task.
- A means, such as an elaborate plan or strategy, to accomplish a certain objective.
- Something overly artful or artificial.
Where does contrivance come from?
From contrive + -ance.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with contrivance
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of contrivance.
Questions about saying contrivance
How do you pronounce contrivance?
Say kun-TRY-vuns. The American pronunciation is /kənˈtraɪvəns/. In British English it is /kənˈtraɪvəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contrivance?
Contrivance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TRY). Broken into parts: kun · TRY · vuns.
Do Americans and Brits say contrivance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈtraɪvəns/ and the British form is /kənˈtraɪvəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.