The difference between Contrivance and Device

When used as nouns, contrivance means a (mechanical) device to perform a certain task, whereas device means any piece of equipment made for a particular purpose, especially a mechanical or electrical one.


check bellow for the other definitions of Contrivance and Device

  1. Contrivance as a noun:

    a (mechanical) device to perform a certain task

  2. Contrivance as a noun:

    a means, such as an elaborate plan or strategy, to accomplish a certain objective

  3. Contrivance as a noun:

    something overly artful or artificial

  1. Device as a noun:

    Any piece of equipment made for a particular purpose, especially a mechanical or electrical one.

    Examples:

    "There are a number of household devices in a kitchen such as a dishwasher, a garbage disposal, or an electric can opener."

  2. Device as a noun (computing):

    A peripheral device; an item of hardware.

  3. Device as a noun:

    A project or scheme, often designed to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.

  4. Device as a noun (Ireland):

    An improvised explosive device, home-made bomb

  5. Device as a noun (rhetoric):

    A technique that an author or speaker uses to evoke an emotional response in the audience; a rhetorical device.

  6. Device as a noun (heraldry):

    A motto, emblem, or other mark used to distinguish the bearer from others. A device differs from a badge or cognizance primarily because as it is a personal distinction, and not a badge borne by members of the same house successively.

  7. Device as a noun (archaic):

    Power of devising; invention; contrivance.

  8. Device as a noun (legal):

    An image used in whole or in part as a trademark or service mark.

  9. Device as a noun (printing):

    An image or logo denoting official or proprietary authority or provenience.

  10. Device as a noun (obsolete):

    A spectacle or show.

  11. Device as a noun (obsolete):

    Opinion; decision.