Meaning of the word contract in English

What does contract mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

contract

US /ˈkɑːn.trækt/

UK /ˈkɒn.trækt/

a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law

Example:

•

They signed a contract for the new house.

•

The company offered him a two-year contract.

Synonym:

agreement deal pact covenant bond

decrease in size, number, or range

Example:

•

The pupil of the eye will contract in bright light.

•

The economy is expected to contract next quarter.

Synonym:

shrink diminish reduce lessen

Antonym:

expand grow increase

catch or develop (a disease or infectious agent)

Example:

•

He contracted a severe illness while traveling abroad.

•

It's easy to contract a cold in winter.

Synonym:

catch develop acquire get

enter into a formal and legally binding agreement

Example:

•

The two parties agreed to contract for the supply of goods.

•

They decided to contract with a local builder for the renovation.

Synonym:

agree undertake commit pledge

Related Word:

contraction futures contract