contrived
UK: kənˈtraɪvd | US: kənˈtraɪvd
adj. deliberately created rather than arising naturally; artificial or forced
adj. overly planned or calculated, lacking spontaneity
The word "contrived" stems from the Latin contrivare, meaning "to devise or plan together." The prefix con- (together) combines with trive, derived from tribuere (to assign or devise), reflecting a sense of deliberate construction. Over time, it evolved in Middle English to imply artificiality or forced effort, shifting from neutral planning to a pejorative sense of unnaturalness.
The plot of the movie felt contrived and unrealistic.
Her smile seemed contrived, hiding her true feelings.
The dialogue was too contrived to sound natural.
He contrived an excuse to leave the meeting early.
The artist avoided contrived compositions, preferring raw spontaneity.