Contracted: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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