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contract

/ˈkɒntrækt/
nounverb★Intermediate
⚖️Law
formal

A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.

The company signed a contract with the supplier.

The contract was negotiated for several weeks.

💡

In law, a contract is an agreement that is enforceable by law.

formal

To reduce or become smaller.

The muscles contract when you exercise.

The material will contract when exposed to cold temperatures.

💡

This sense of the word is often used in biology and physics.

Collocations

sign a contractto agree to the terms of a contract by signing itcontract lawthe area of law that deals with contracts

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

contract outphrasal verb
to hire someone else to do work
under contractphrase
bound by a contract

💡Pro Tip

Be careful with the verb form

When using 'contract' as a verb, make sure to use the correct form, e.g., 'The muscles contract'.

⚡Gold Rule

Use the correct preposition

When using 'contract' with a preposition, use 'with' or 'between', e.g., 'a contract with the supplier'.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'contractum', meaning 'drawn together'.

📝Usage Notes

The word 'contract' can be used as both a noun and a verb.

Word Breakdown

con-
together
prefix
+
-tract
to draw
root
✎ Noted on May 26, 2026EN → EN

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