contract
Meaning: A written legal agreement; to make a formal agreement; to become smaller
'Contract' as a noun is a formal legal agreement between parties. As a verb (stressed on second syllable), it means to enter into a formal agreement, to catch a disease ('contract an illness'), or to become smaller/shorter ('metals contract when cooled'). 'Under contract' means bound by an agreement.
Examples
- Please read the contract carefully before signing. 签字前请仔细阅读合同。Por favor, lee el contrato cuidadosamente antes de firmar.署名する前に契約書をよく読んでください。서명하기 전에 계약서를 꼼꼼히 읽어주세요.
- The company contracted to supply the materials. 公司签约提供材料。La empresa contrató el suministro de materiales.会社は材料の供給契約を結びました。회사는 자재 공급 계약을 체결했습니다.
- Muscles contract when you exercise. 运动时肌肉会收缩。Los músculos se contraen cuando haces ejercicio.運動すると筋肉が収縮します。운동하면 근육이 수축합니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin 'contractus', past participle of 'contrahere' meaning 'to draw together' (con- 'together' + trahere 'to draw'). The legal sense of 'a binding agreement' and the physical sense of 'to shrink' both stem from this root.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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