How to pronounce contrive
Say it like kun-TRYVE. Contrive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TRYVE).
- kun
- TRYVE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contrive 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.
- TRYVESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of contrive
American and British speakers say contrive in essentially the same way: /kənˈtraɪv/ in the US and /kənˈtraɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-TRYVE.
What does contrive mean?
- To invent by an exercise of ingeniosity; to devise
- To invent, to make devices; to form designs especially by improvisation.
- To project, cast, or set forth, as in a projection of light.
Where does contrive come from?
From Middle English contreve (“to invent”), from Old French controver (Modern French controuver), from trover (“to find”) (French trouver).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with contrive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of contrive.
Questions about saying contrive
How do you pronounce contrive?
Say kun-TRYVE. The American pronunciation is /kənˈtraɪv/. In British English it is /kənˈtraɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contrive?
Contrive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TRYVE). Broken into parts: kun · TRYVE.
Do Americans and Brits say contrive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈtraɪv/ and the British form is /kənˈtraɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.