Contractions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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contractions
[kənˈtrækʃənz ]
Definitions
grammar
Shortened form of a word or group of words created by omitting one or more letters or sounds.
Synonyms
abbreviation, clipping, shortening.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contractions |
Contractions are commonly used to combine two words into one, mainly to make language more casual and conversational. They are often used in spoken English and informal writing.
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| abbreviation |
Abbreviations are used to shorten words or phrases, often for the sake of brevity in writing. They are common in formal writing, notes, and technical contexts.
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| shortening |
Shortening refers to the general process of reducing the length of words or phrases. This term can be used to refer to any form of making words shorter, including contractions, abbreviations, and clippings.
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| clipping |
Clipping involves shortening a longer word by removing some parts, and it's often found in everyday informal speech. Clipped words are typically casual and very common in colloquial dialogue.
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Examples of usage
- "Can't" is a contraction of "cannot."
- "I'm" is a contraction of "I am."
medicine
A decrease in the size of a muscle caused by a shortening of the fibers.
Synonyms
muscle spasm, muscle tightness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contractions |
Used when talking about the muscle tightening and relaxing typically associated with childbirth or other medical conditions.
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| muscle tightness |
Describes the feeling of muscles being tight or tense, often resulting from stress, overuse, or lack of stretching.
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| muscle spasm |
Refers to a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction often associated with pain, typically resulting from overuse, injury, or conditions like dehydration.
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Examples of usage
- Muscle contractions are essential for movement.
physics
The process of becoming smaller or denser under pressure.
Synonyms
compression, reduction, shrinking.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contractions |
Used primarily in medical contexts or grammar. Medically, it's related to muscle tightening, such as during labor. In grammar, it refers to shortened forms of words (e.g., 'don't' for 'do not').
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| compression |
Primarily used in technical or physical contexts, often referring to reducing the size or volume of something, like files or gases. It implies applying pressure to achieve reduction.
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| shrinking |
Often used to describe the physical reduction in size of living beings or items over time or due to specific factors, and can have a slightly negative connotation.
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| reduction |
General term for making something smaller or less in amount, size, or degree. Commonly used in various contexts like weight, prices, or problem-solving.
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Examples of usage
- The contraction of a gas when cooled.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- In spoken language, contractions help make speech flow more smoothly, making it easier to communicate quickly.
- Different regions have their own preferred contractions; for example, 'y'all' is common in the Southern United States.
Psychology
- Using contractions can make speech sound more informal and relatable, creating a sense of closeness in conversations.
- Studies show that people feel more engaged and comfortable when contractions are used in speech and writing.
Pop Culture
- Contractions are often found in song lyrics to maintain rhythm and make the lyrics relatable.
- Famous literary characters often use contractions to reflect their personality and background, making dialogue more realistic.
Education
- Teachers often highlight contractions when teaching English due to their frequency in everyday conversation.
- Understanding contractions is crucial for mastering conversational English and improving comprehension.
Origin of 'contractions'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'contraction' comes from the Latin 'contractio', which means 'a drawing together'.
- In the 16th century, contractions were commonly used in English literature to make poems rhyme better.
The word "contraction" originated in the early 16th century, derived from the Latin word "contrahere" meaning "to draw together." It first appeared in English as a term in grammar, referring to the shortening of words through omission. Over time, the term was also adopted in medicine and physics to describe the shrinking or tightening of muscles or substances. The concept of contraction is fundamental in various fields, illustrating the common theme of reduction or compression.
See also: contract, contracted, contractible, contracting, contraction, contractor, contractors, contracts, contractual, subcontract, subcontracting.