Contraction: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ข
contraction
[ kษnหtrรฆkสษn ]
in grammar
A contraction is a shortened form of two words, where an apostrophe replaces missing letters. Contractions are commonly used in informal speech and writing.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Can't is a contraction of cannot.
- I'm is a contraction of I am.
- We're is a contraction of we are.
during childbirth
A contraction is the tightening and releasing of the muscles of the uterus during labor, helping to push the baby out.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She experienced strong contractions during labor.
- The contractions were getting closer together.
shortening or shrinking
A contraction can also refer to the process of becoming smaller or shorter in size.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- There was a contraction in the economy.
- The company went through a contraction phase.
Translations
Translations of the word "contraction" in other languages:
๐ต๐น contraรงรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคเคเฅเคเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Kontraktion
๐ฎ๐ฉ kontraksi
๐บ๐ฆ ัะบะพัะพัะตะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ skurcz
๐ฏ๐ต ๅ็ธฎ
๐ซ๐ท contraction
๐ช๐ธ contracciรณn
๐น๐ท bรผzรผlme
๐ฐ๐ท ์์ถ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงููู ุงุด
๐จ๐ฟ kontrakce
๐ธ๐ฐ kontrakcia
๐จ๐ณ ๆถ็ผฉ
๐ธ๐ฎ kontrakcija
๐ฎ๐ธ samdrรกttur
๐ฐ๐ฟ าััาะฐัั
๐ฌ๐ช แจแแแฃแแจแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ yฤฑฤฤฑlma
๐ฒ๐ฝ contracciรณn
Word origin
The word 'contraction' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'contrahere', which means 'to draw together'. It initially referred to the action of drawing together or shrinking. Over time, the term began to be used in various contexts, including grammar and childbirth. The modern usage of 'contraction' reflects its evolution through different fields.
See also: contract, contracted, contractible, contracting, contractions, contractor, contractors, contracts, contractual, subcontract, subcontracting.