uncontrived
|un-contrived|
/ˌʌn.kənˈtraɪvd/
not forced; natural
Etymology
'uncontrived' is formed from the negative prefix 'un-' + the past participle 'contrived' of the verb 'contrive'. The prefix 'un-' comes from Old English 'un-' meaning 'not'. 'Contrive' ultimately entered English via Middle French and Middle English as the verb meaning 'to devise' or 'to bring about by design.'
The element 'contrive' developed in Middle English from Old/Middle French verbal forms (e.g. forms related to contre- + a root meaning 'find' or 'devise'), and the negative prefix 'un-' (Old English) was attached to create 'uncontrived' to indicate 'not contrived' (a more recent English formation).
Originally related to the verb 'contrive' meaning 'to devise, invent or plan', the compound 'uncontrived' has come to mean simply 'not planned or artificial', emphasizing naturalness or spontaneity.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not contrived; natural and spontaneous rather than planned or forced.
Her speech felt uncontrived, as if she were simply talking from the heart.
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Adjective 2
appearing genuine and not overly planned or staged (often used of behavior, performances, or style).
The film's uncontrived dialogue made the characters feel real.
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Last updated: 2025/11/07 23:32