Contractual: meaning, definitions and examples

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contractual

[kənˈtræktʃuəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

business

Relating to or contained in a contract.

Synonyms

agreed, formal, stipulated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contractual	Used when describing something that is outlined officially within a contract or agreement. Often seen in legal or business contexts. The employee's benefits are contractual and cannot be altered without mutual consent. Our obligations are clearly defined in a contractual agreement.
agreed	Appropriate when stating that a mutual understanding or decision has been reached. It is more general and can be used in everyday conversations. We both agreed to meet at 10 am. The terms of the deal were agreed upon by both parties.
stipulated	Best used when referring to something specifically mentioned or required in a document or agreement. Common in legal and contractual language. The contract stipulates that the payment must be made by the end of the month. It was stipulated in the agreement that the tenant must keep the property in good condition.
formal	Used to describe something done in an official, often rigid manner. It is suitable for describing official procedures, events, or documents. The letter of resignation was very formal and to the point. They issued a formal apology after the incident.

Examples of usage

The two parties entered into a contractual agreement.
She had to review all the contractual terms before signing the document.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

legal

Of, based on, or secured by a contract.

Synonyms

binding, mandatory, obligatory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contractual	Used when referring to something that is stipulated or agreed upon in a contract or formal agreement. The company's obligations are purely contractual. Their relationship is governed by a contractual agreement.
binding	Used to describe something that must be followed or adhered to, often in legal or formal contexts. The decision reached by the court is binding on all parties involved. They signed a binding contract that obligates them to deliver the project on time.
mandatory	Used to describe something that is required by law, rule, or policy and is not optional. Wearing seat belts is mandatory by law. Participation in the training session is mandatory for all employees.
obligatory	Used to describe something that you must do because of a rule, contract, or because it is expected. It is obligatory to submit your tax returns by the end of April. Attending the meeting was obligatory for all staff members.

Examples of usage

The contractual obligations of both parties were clearly outlined.
The company failed to fulfill its contractual obligations.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'contractus,' meaning 'to draw together' or 'to come together,' which reflects the binding nature of agreements.
It began to be commonly used in English around the 15th century, relating to legal and business settings.

Legal Framework

Contractual obligations are legally enforceable, meaning if one party doesn't follow the agreement, the others can seek legal remedies.
There are different types of contracts, such as written, oral, and implied contracts, each with specific legal implications.

Business Practices

In business, contractual relationships are vital for establishing trust and clarity between companies and their clients.
Many professionals use templates for common agreements, which helps ensure all essential details are included to avoid disputes.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, contracts symbolize an important step in formalizing relationships, whether in business, marriage, or partnerships.
The concept of a contract is often embedded in cultural narratives, reflecting values like trust, liability, and fairness.

Psychology

The expectation of fulfilling contractual duties can affect people's behavior, reinforcing accountability in relationships.
Research shows that clear terms in agreements can reduce misunderstandings and improve trust between parties.

Translations

Translations of the word "contractual" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contratual

🇮🇳 अनुबंधात्मक

🇩🇪 vertraglich

🇮🇩 kontraktual

🇺🇦 договірний

🇵🇱 kontraktowy

🇯🇵 契約の (keiyaku no)

🇫🇷 contractuel

🇪🇸 contractual

🇹🇷 sözleşmeye dayalı

🇰🇷 계약의 (gyeyak-ui)

🇸🇦 تعاقدي

🇨🇿 smluvní

🇸🇰 zmluvný

🇨🇳 合同的 (hétóng de)

🇸🇮 pogodben

🇮🇸 samningsbundinn

🇰🇿 келісімшарттық

🇬🇪 კონტრაქტული

🇦🇿 müqavilə

🇲🇽 contractual

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,974 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6971 fastened
6972 ranking
6973 glow
6974 contractual
6975 targeted
6976 anticipation
6977 ban
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