Contract

Definition

Contract is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a formal agreement between two or more parties, often legally binding. As a verb, it means to enter into a formal agreement or to reduce in size, quantity, or range.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• Noun IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɑn.trækt/
• Noun Respelling: KON-trakt
• Verb IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈtrækt/
• Verb Respelling: kuhn-TRAKT

British English

• Noun IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɒn.trækt/
• Noun Respelling: KON-trakt
• Verb IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈtrækt/
• Verb Respelling: kuhn-TRAKT

Etymology

The word "contract" originates from the Latin "contractus," meaning "a drawn-together agreement," derived from "contrahere," which combines "con-" (together) and "trahere" (to draw). It entered Middle English with meanings related to formal agreements and compaction.

Derivatives

• Contractor (noun)
• Contractual (adjective)
• Contracted (adjective)
• Contractility (noun)
• Contraction (noun)

Synonyms

• Agreement
• Compact
• Deal

Antonyms

• Disagreement
• Expansion
• Enlargement

Usage

The term "contract" is frequently used in legal, business, and medical contexts, referring to formal agreements and processes of shrinking or tightening. For example, "The parties signed a contract," or "The muscle contracts in response to stimuli."

Related Terms

• Agreement: A mutual arrangement or understanding between parties.
• Obligation: A legal or moral requirement to perform an action as per an agreement.
• Compact: A formal agreement between parties, often with legal implications.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A formal agreement between two or more parties, often legally binding: Refers to a written or spoken arrangement with enforceable terms and conditions.
  • Example: "They signed a contract to lease the property."

Verb

• To enter into a formal agreement: Describes the act of agreeing formally to terms, often in a legal or business context.
  • Example: "The company contracted with a supplier for raw materials."
• To reduce in size, quantity, or scope: Refers to the process of shrinking or becoming smaller, often used in scientific or medical contexts.
  • Example: "Cold temperatures can cause materials to contract."