Contract
/ˈkɒntrækt/
Definitions
4 meaningsA written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.
/ˈkɒntrækt/
A formal agreement.
The lawyers reviewed the contract carefully.
💡 Simply: It's like a written promise between two people or groups. Imagine you and a friend agree to trade toys – you write it down (a simple contract!) so everyone knows what's expected.
👶 For kids: A special paper that says what you and someone else have agreed to do.
More Examples
The construction company won the contract for the new building.
Breaching the contract will result in penalties.
How It's Used
"The company signed a contract with a new supplier."
"The contract outlines the terms and conditions of the agreement."
To enter into a formal and legally binding agreement.
/kənˈtrækt/
To enter into a formal agreement.
The two parties contracted for the sale of the property.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'yes' and signing the paper. Imagine you contract with a bakery to bake a cake for your birthday.
👶 For kids: To make an agreement with someone.
More Examples
The government contracted with several companies for the vaccine distribution.
She contracted to supply the company with office equipment.
How It's Used
"The company contracted with a marketing firm."
"They contracted to build the bridge within two years."
To decrease in size, number, or range; to become smaller or more compact.
/kənˈtrækt/
To become smaller or tighter.
The pupils contract in bright light.
💡 Simply: Imagine a balloon getting squeezed and becoming smaller. That's what it means for something to contract. Like, your muscles contract when you lift something.
👶 For kids: To get smaller, like when you squeeze a rubber band.
More Examples
The company's profits contracted due to the economic downturn.
The fabric contracts after washing.
How It's Used
"The muscle contracted after the stimulation."
"Metals contract when cooled."
To catch or be affected by (a disease).
/kənˈtrækt/
To catch or develop (a disease or infection).
She contracted measles as a child.
💡 Simply: It's like getting something, especially something you don't want, like a cold. Imagine you contract a cold from your friend.
👶 For kids: To get a sickness.
More Examples
The soldiers contracted malaria while serving overseas.
He contracted a serious infection after the surgery.
How It's Used
"He contracted the flu."
"Many people contracted the virus during the pandemic."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
contract out
To hire someone outside the company to do a specific job.
"The company decided to contract out their cleaning services."
under contract
Bound by a contract, committed.
"The singer is under contract to a major record label."
From Latin *contractus*, past participle of *contrahere* "to draw together, to agree," from *con-* "together" + *trahere* "to draw, pull."
The word 'contract' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to an agreement or covenant, and later developing meanings related to drawing together or shrinking.
Memory tip
Think of a contract as a document you sign to seal a deal.