What does “contract” mean?
- 1
nouna formal written agreement that can be enforced by law
Read the contract carefully before you sign it.
- 2
verbto become smaller or shorter
Metal contracts as it cools.
- 3
verbto catch a serious illness
He contracted malaria while traveling.
Contract at a glance
- Part of speech
- noun & verb
- CEFR level
- B2 (upper intermediate)
- Pronunciation
- /ˈkɑntrækt/ · KON-trakt
How to use “contract” correctly
The noun is KON-trakt; the verbs are usually kun-TRAKT. “Contract a disease” is formal; in speech say “catch”.
Common phrases with “contract”
- sign a contract
- break a contract
- under contract
- contract a disease
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- expand
Word family
- contractor
- contraction
- contractual
“contract” is on these word lists
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