Contracted: meaning, definitions and examples

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contracted

[kənˈtræktɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

business

To reduce in size by drawing together; shrink. To acquire or incur a disease, condition, or injury. To acquire (an illness) by infection or exposure; catch.

Synonyms

diminish, reduce, shrink.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contracted	This word is often used in medical or legal contexts to indicate that something has been caught or agreed upon. She contracted a severe cold The company contracted a new supplier
shrink	This word is generally used to describe something physically getting smaller in size, often due to external factors like heat or cold. My sweater shrank in the wash The market for these products is shrinking
diminish	This word is typically used to describe something becoming less in size, importance, or intensity over time. His influence in the company began to diminish The pain will diminish over time
reduce	This word is frequently used when talking about lowering numbers, size, cost, or amount of something. We need to reduce our expenses The company aims to reduce its carbon footprint

Examples of usage

The company contracted its workforce due to budget cuts.
She contracted a severe case of pneumonia while traveling.
He contracted the flu from his coworkers.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

legal

To enter into a formal and legally binding agreement. To agree to provide (a service or goods) under a contract. To engage by written agreement.

Synonyms

agree, commit, undertake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contracted	This word is often used in formal settings, especially in legal and business contexts, when two parties form an official agreement. They contracted a new supplier for the raw materials. The company contracted with the artist for a new project.
agree	Used in everyday situations when two or more parties come to a common understanding or decision. It's less formal than 'contracted'. The team agreed to meet again next week. They agreed on a new strategy for the product launch.
commit	This word implies a sense of dedication or obligation to a particular course of action, often with a stronger sense of personal or emotional involvement. She committed to finishing the project by the end of the month. They committed to reducing carbon emissions in their operations.
undertake	Often used in formal or serious contexts to describe taking on a task or responsibility, usually implying some level of effort or challenge. The company undertook a major reorganization to improve efficiency. He decided to undertake a study on climate change impacts.

Examples of usage

They contracted with a new supplier for office supplies.
The artist contracted to produce a series of paintings for the gallery.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

grammar

Formed by contracting two words. Shortened by omitting a sound or letter.

Synonyms

abbreviated, condensed, shortened.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contracted	Used when referring to something that has become smaller or shorter in size or time, often used in a formal or medical context. Can also indicate entering into a formal agreement, which is a different meaning. The muscles in his arm contracted The company contracted a new supplier
shortened	Used when making something shorter in length or duration. It is a general term that can be applied to time, objects, or text. The movie was shortened by 30 minutes Her dress was shortened for the party
abbreviated	Used when referring to a word or text that has been shortened by using a part of the original, commonly used in writing or speech. The word 'abbreviated' is often abbreviated as 'abbr ' The meeting was abbreviated due to time constraints
condensed	Used to describe making something denser or more concise, often applied to texts, speeches, or physical substances. The report was condensed into a two-page summary The milk was condensed to remove water

Examples of usage

The word “can’t” is a contracted form of “cannot”.
I’m is a contracted form of I am.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin 'contractus', which means 'to draw together'. It reflects the idea of something becoming smaller.
It has been used in English since the 15th century, originally relating to agreements, before expanding to physical descriptions.

Science

In physics, muscles contract to create movement; when you use your arm, your muscles get shorter and thicker.
Contrastingly, in thermodynamics, gases can be contracted by lowering temperature or increasing pressure, showing how environmental changes can shrink substances.

Pop Culture

In popular film and literature, the term often symbolizes loss or reduction, such as when characters face challenges that narrow their options or resources.
The idea of being 'contracted' appears frequently in sci-fi, where beings can shrink or compress matter for storage or travel.

Psychology

Anxiety can trigger a 'contracted' feeling in the body, like when your muscles tense up and your mind becomes more focused on threats.
People may describe feeling contracted emotionally during stressful times, as if their feelings are becoming smaller or less expressed.

Literature

In poetry, authors often use the concept of contraction metaphorically, depicting the shrinking of dreams or aspirations.
The contraction of relationships or societies can be a theme in novels, showcasing how characters or communities become more isolated.

Translations

Translations of the word "contracted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contratado

🇮🇳 अनुबंधित

🇩🇪 vertraglich

🇮🇩 kontrak

🇺🇦 контрактний

🇵🇱 skontaktowany

🇯🇵 契約された

🇫🇷 contracté

🇪🇸 contratado

🇹🇷 sözleşmeli

🇰🇷 계약된

🇸🇦 متعاقد

🇨🇿 smluvní

🇸🇰 zmluvný

🇨🇳 签约的

🇸🇮 sklenjen

🇮🇸 samþykktur

🇰🇿 контракттік

🇬🇪 კონტრაქტული

🇦🇿 müqaviləli

🇲🇽 contratado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,820, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4817 parking
4818 contempt
4819 formulation
4820 contracted
4821 physiological
4822 poured
4823 letting
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