Contraction
/kənˈtrækʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of contracting or the state of being contracted; a reduction in size, duration, or extent.
/kənˈtrækʃən/
The process of becoming smaller or shorter.
The contraction of the balloon made it look smaller.
💡 Simply: Think about when your muscles tighten up, like when you get a cramp. That's a contraction! It's something shrinking or getting smaller.
👶 For kids: When something gets smaller or shorter, like when you squeeze a toy.
More Examples
The doctor monitored the contractions during childbirth.
The economic contraction caused businesses to downsize.
How It's Used
"The contraction of metal due to cooling is a predictable phenomenon."
"The uterine contractions during labor become increasingly frequent."
"The economic contraction led to widespread job losses."
A shortened form of a word or group of words, with the omission of one or more letters or sounds.
/kənˈtrækʃən/
A shortened form of a word or words.
The word 'isn't' is a contraction of 'is not'.
💡 Simply: It's like when you squish two words together to make a new, shorter word. Like 'can not' becomes 'can't'.
👶 For kids: When you make words shorter, like 'cannot' turns into 'can't'.
More Examples
Contractions like 'I'm' are common in everyday speech.
Using too many contractions in formal writing can make it sound less professional.
How It's Used
"The contraction 'can't' is a combination of 'cannot'."
"Using contractions such as 'it's' makes writing sound less formal."
"Contractions are very common in spoken English."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Under contract
Bound by a formal agreement.
"The singer is under contract with a record label for the next three years."
From Latin *contractio*, from *contrahere* meaning "to draw together, to shorten," from *con-* "together" + *trahere* "to draw." Evolution reflects the physical act of shortening or drawing inward, and later, a shortened form of a word.
The term 'contraction' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to a drawing together or a shortening.
Memory tip
Imagine a muscle contracting - becoming shorter and tighter.
Word Origin
"to draw together, shorten"