Contracting
/kənˈtræktɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo reduce in size, volume, or scope; to shrink or become smaller.
/kənˈtrækt/
To decrease in size, volume, or extent; to become smaller.
The patient's pupils contracted in response to the bright light.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in a pool and the water gets colder. Your body *contracts*, or shrinks a little because of the cold. It's like when you're surprised and you pull your body in.
👶 For kids: To get smaller, like a balloon losing air.
More Examples
As the weather got colder, the metal contracted.
The company's revenue contracted due to the economic downturn.
How It's Used
"Muscles contract to cause movement."
"The economy contracted during the recession."
"The wound contracted as it healed."
To make a formal agreement; to undertake a task or responsibility through a contract.
/kənˈtrækt/
To enter into a formal and legally binding agreement.
The government contracted with a private company to build the highway.
💡 Simply: Imagine you and your friend agree to buy a puppy together. You *contracted* to do something, by agreeing in written or verbally form.
👶 For kids: To make a deal or promise with someone or something.
More Examples
She contracted to provide consulting services.
They contracted to buy the house.
How It's Used
"The company contracted with a marketing firm to promote its products."
"They contracted to sell the property."
To become affected with a disease, illness or condition.
/kənˈtrækt/
To catch or develop an illness or disease.
She contracted pneumonia after her accident.
💡 Simply: Imagine catching a cold from your friend. You *contracted* that cold, meaning you got it.
👶 For kids: To get a disease or illness.
More Examples
He contracted a virus while traveling.
Many people contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic.
How It's Used
"He contracted the flu during the winter."
"She contracted a rare disease."
Idioms & expressions
contract out
To hire someone outside the company to do a specific job.
"The company decided to contract out their cleaning services."
From Latin *contractus*, past participle of *contrahere* ('to draw together, make an agreement'), from *con-* ('with, together') + *trahere* ('to draw, pull').
The word has been used since the 14th century in English, initially with meanings related to drawing together or becoming smaller.
Memory tip
Think of a 'con-tract' where things are drawn *together* - they become *smaller*.
Word Origin
"to draw together, make an agreement"