different between contraption vs implement

English

Etymology

Possibly a Western US English dialectal word of unknown origin. Perhaps from contrive + trap + -tion, while also possibly approximating construction. Chambers suggests contrivance + adaption. Neither Chambers nor Concise Oxford suggests a US origin. cf cantrip (Scots dialect), a wilful piece of trickery.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation, US) IPA^(key): /k?n?t?æp.??n/

Noun

contraption (plural contraptions)

1. A machine that is complicated and precarious.
2. (figuratively, derogatory or ironic) Any object.

Synonyms

• (mechanical device): contrivance, device, fandango, gadget, mechanism, construction

Translations

References

English

Etymology 1

Borrowed from Late Latin impl?mentum (“a filling up”), from Latin imple? (“I fill up”).

Pronunciation

• enPR: ?m?pl?-m?nt, IPA^(key): /??mpl?m?nt/

Noun

implement (plural implements)

1. A tool or instrument for working with.

   They carried an assortment of gardening implements in the truck.

   • 1900, Sigmund Freud, The Interpretation of Dreams, Avon Books, (translated by James Strachey) pg. 234:

     A man dreamt as follows: He saw two boys struggling—barrel-maker’s boys, to judge by the implements lying around.

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:instrument

Translations

Etymology 2

From Scottish English or Scots implement (“fulfill”)

Pronunciation

• enPR: ?m?pl?-m?nt, IPA^(key): /??mpl?m?nt/

Verb

implement (third-person singular simple present implements, present participle implementing, simple past and past participle implemented)

2. to bring about; to put into practice; to carry out

Usage notes

• Nouns serving as grammatical objects that commonly collocate: plan, programme, strategy, policy, agreement, order, specification, etc.

Derived terms

• implementable
• implementation
• implementer

Translations

Further reading

• implement in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• implement in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.