contrivance

1. N-VAR If you describe something as a contrivance, you disapprove of it because it is unnecessary and artificial. 過于人為修飾的物件[正式]

They wear simple clothes and shun modern contrivances. 他們穿著簡(jiǎn)單，避免了現(xiàn)代裝束。

...music with a tendency towards contrivance and lack of substance. ...趨于人為雕琢但缺乏實(shí)質(zhì)內(nèi)容的音樂。

2. N-COUNT A contrivance is an unfair or dishonest scheme or trick to gain an advantage for yourself. 詭計(jì)

They always come up with some contrivance to raise prices. 他們總是想出一些詭計(jì)來提價(jià)。