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Contraption - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A contraption is a mechanical device or gadget, often unusual or makeshift in design, created to perform a specific task. It may appear complex or improvised.

contraption

/kənˈtræpʃən/ /kənˈtræpʃən/

Definition:

A mechanical device or gadget, often strange or complicated in appearance.

Synonyms:

gadget, device, mechanism, invention, apparatus

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

simplicity, natural object

Common Collocations:

strange contraption, mechanical contraption, homemade contraption, ingenious contraption, complicated contraption

Derivatives:

contraptions (plural), contraptionary (rare)

Usage Tips:

Use "contraption" to describe an unusual or overly complex device, often with a playful or skeptical tone.

Common Phrases:

Rube Goldberg contraption, crazy contraption, jury-rigged contraption

Etymology:

Derived from "contrive" + "-tion," suggesting a clever or makeshift invention.

Examples:

  • 1. He built a strange contraption to water his plants automatically.
  • 2. The old inventor showed us his latest contraption for peeling apples.
  • 3. She laughed at the bizarre contraption he called a "time-saving machine."
  • 4. The garage was full of rusty tools and odd contraptions.

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