Contractor: meaning, definitions and examples

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contractor

[ˈkɒntræktər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

construction

A person or company that undertakes a contract to provide materials or labor to perform a service or do a job.

Synonyms

builder, constructor, developer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contractor	Typically used to refer to a person or company hired to perform specific tasks or jobs, often as part of a larger project. They operate on a contract basis rather than being full-time employees. We need to hire a contractor to renovate the kitchen. The contractor will start the roofing work next week.
builder	Ideal for referring to someone who physically constructs buildings or structures. This term often emphasizes hands-on construction work. The builder laid the foundation for the new house. He works as a builder and specializes in residential homes.
constructor	Less commonly used in everyday speech. Often seen in technical contexts or in reference to someone who assembles or constructs complex structures or systems, not exclusively buildings. The constructor will assemble the bridge components on site. Our company needs a skilled constructor for the new pipeline project.
developer	Used to describe a person or company involved in the overall planning, building, and finishing of large projects, often real estate. Focuses on the development phase, including design and management. The developer unveiled the plans for the new shopping complex. He is a renowned developer who has built many high-rise buildings.

Examples of usage

The contractor will be responsible for building the new office complex.
Our company hired a contractor to renovate the kitchen.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

business

A person or company that is hired to perform work or provide services on a temporary basis.

Synonyms

consultant, freelancer, vendor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contractor	A contractor is usually hired for a specific task or project and works independently. This term is often used in construction, maintenance, and similar fields. We hired a contractor to renovate our kitchen. The contractor completed the repairs on the building in record time.
consultant	A consultant is an expert who provides professional or expert advice in a specific area such as business, finance, or technology. Consultants are usually hired for their specialized knowledge. We need a consultant to advise us on the best marketing strategy. The IT consultant helped us secure our network.
freelancer	A freelancer is a self-employed individual who offers services to various clients. Freelancers often work in fields like writing, graphic design, or software development. She works as a freelancer, writing articles for several magazines. The company hired a freelancer to redesign their website.
vendor	A vendor is a person or company that supplies goods or services, often to other businesses. The term 'vendor' is commonly used in the context of retail or wholesale supply chains. We ordered new office supplies from our regular vendor. The food vendors at the market offer a wide variety of fresh produce.

Examples of usage

The IT contractor fixed the network issue quickly.
She works as a freelance contractor for various companies.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'contractus', meaning 'a drawing together or agreement'.
The term evolved in the 14th century to refer to formal agreements, especially in business contexts.

Historical Usage

In ancient Rome, contractors were often slaves or freedmen hired for construction projects, demonstrating the profession's long history.
During the Industrial Revolution, contractors became essential for building the infrastructure that supported rapid urbanization and industrial growth.

Modern Relevance

Today, contractors are crucial for various projects, from residential homes to large-scale commercial buildings and infrastructure.
The construction industry is a major segment of the economy, employing millions and often relying on independent contractors for flexibility.

Regulations and Licenses

Many regions require contractors to be licensed and bonded, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards.
Contractors often need to follow strict regulations and building codes, which can vary significantly between locations.

Technology in Contracting

Modern contractors frequently use software tools for project management, budgeting, and communication, improving efficiency.
The rise of digital platforms has led to an increase in freelance contractors, connecting them with clients through online marketplaces.

Translations

Translations of the word "contractor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empreiteiro

🇮🇳 ठेकेदार

🇩🇪 Auftragnehmer

🇮🇩 kontraktor

🇺🇦 підрядник

🇵🇱 wykonawca

🇯🇵 請負業者

🇫🇷 entrepreneur

🇪🇸 contratista

🇹🇷 müteahhit

🇰🇷 계약자

🇸🇦 مقاول

🇨🇿 dodavatel

🇸🇰 dodávateľ

🇨🇳 承包商

🇸🇮 pogodbenik

🇮🇸 verktaki

🇰🇿 мердігер

🇬🇪 მშენებელი

🇦🇿 podratçı

🇲🇽 contratista

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,213, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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