different between tactic vs contrivance

English

Alternative forms

• tactick (obsolete)

Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek ???????? (taktikós, “fit for ordering”), from ????? (táss?, “to order, to arrange”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?tækt?k/
• Rhymes: -ækt?k

Noun

tactic (plural tactics)

1. A maneuver, or action calculated to achieve some end.

   Synonyms: scheme, stratagem, plan, maneuver, course of action

   Coordinate term: strategy

2. (military) A maneuver used against an enemy.
3. (chess) A sequence of moves that limits the opponent's options and results in an immediate and tangible advantage, typically in the form of material.

Translations

Adjective

tactic (comparative more tactic, superlative most tactic)

1. (dated, military) Tactical; of or relating to the art of military and naval tactics.

   Synonym: tactical

   • 1831, Thomas Campbell, The Power of Russia

     But time will teach the Russ, ev'n conquering War
     Has handmaid arts: aye, aye, the Russ will woo
     All sciences that speed Bellona's car,
     All murder's tactic arts, and win them too […]

2. (chemistry) Describing a polymer whose repeat units are identical.

Translations

Anagrams

• tic tac, tic-tac

Romanian

Etymology

From French tactique.

Adjective

tactic m or n (feminine singular tactic?, masculine plural tactici, feminine and neuter plural tactice)

1. tactical

Declension

English

Etymology

contrive +? -ance

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /k?n?t?a?.v?ns/

Noun

contrivance (plural contrivances)

1. a (mechanical) device to perform a certain task
2. a means, such as an elaborate plan or strategy, to accomplish a certain objective
   • 2005, Plato, Sophist. Translation by Lesley Brown. 266b.

     And along with each of these go their images, not the things themselves, — they too have come about by godlike contrivance.

3. something overly artful or artificial

Synonyms

• contraption

Related terms

• contrive

Translations

Further reading

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