contract
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties, or to become smaller or shorter.
As a noun: any formal agreement, a document outlining terms, or a period of employment. As a verb: to enter into a formal agreement, to catch (a disease), or to shorten a word.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun and verb forms are pronounced differently (stress on first vs. second syllable). The verb has both transitive and intransitive uses with distinct meanings (agree vs. shrink).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., contracted, contracting). The verb meaning 'to arrange for work to be done' is more common in UK English (e.g., 'contract out services').
Connotations
In business contexts, both varieties use it similarly. In legal contexts, US English may use 'contract' more specifically for written agreements, while UK English sometimes uses 'agreement' more broadly.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American business and legal corpora. The verb meaning 'to shrink' is equally common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
contract with [someone] for [something]contract to do [something]contract [disease/illness]contract [muscle/metal]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “contract marriage”
- “contract out”
- “contract killer”
- “sign on the dotted line”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A formal document specifying terms of employment, sale, or service provision.
Academic
In linguistics: the shortening of words. In law: the study of contractual obligations.
Everyday
An agreement for services (e.g., phone contract) or to catch an illness.
Technical
In medicine: muscle contraction. In physics: thermal contraction of materials.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The metal will contract in cold weather.
- They decided to contract out the catering.
- He contracted pneumonia last winter.
American English
- The company contracted with a new supplier.
- Muscles contract during exercise.
- She contracted the virus while traveling.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
- N/A
- N/A
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- Contract law is complex.
- He works on a contract basis.
- Contract negotiations are ongoing.
American English
- Contract workers lack benefits.
- Contract terms are negotiable.
- Contract disputes can be costly.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a phone contract.
- Metals contract when cold.
- She signed a contract for her new job.
- The company contracted a local builder.
- The contract stipulates a three-month notice period.
- He contracted a rare disease during his expedition.
- The parties contracted to arbitrate any disputes confidentially.
- Economic contraction led to widespread unemployment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONtract (noun) is an agreement you CONfirm. conTRACT (verb) is what muscles do when they TRACT (pull) together.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENT IS A BOND, REDUCTION IS A PULLING IN
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'contract' as 'контракт' for the verb meaning 'to shrink'.
- Don't use 'contract' for informal agreements—Russian 'договор' is broader.
- The legal phrase 'breach of contract' is not 'разрыв контракта' but 'нарушение договора'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'contract' as a verb without object ('He contracted' is incomplete).
- Confusing 'contract' with 'contact'.
- Incorrect stress: saying 'conTRACT' for the noun.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'contract' as a verb meaning 'to become smaller'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A contract is a legally enforceable agreement, often written. An agreement can be informal and may not be legally binding.
It's a stress shift pattern common in English (e.g., record, present). Noun: stress on first syllable. Verb: stress on second syllable.
Yes, in legal or historical contexts ('marriage contract'), but in everyday speech, 'marriage' or 'wedding' is more common.
Countable. You can have 'a contract' or 'several contracts'. The uncountable form 'contract' refers to the concept or field of law.
Collections
Part of a collection
Business Vocabulary
B1 · 50 words · Fundamental language of commerce and trade.
Workplace Vocabulary
B1 · 48 words · Professional language for the working environment.
Law and Regulation
C1 · 46 words · Legal language and regulatory frameworks.
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