B2nounformal2K

Contract

UK /["/ˈkɒntrækt/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːntrækt/"]/

Definition

an official written agreement

In simple words: A legal agreement between two or more parties.

Examples

  • Before signing the contract, make sure to read all the terms carefully.
  • The company signed a contract with the supplier to secure better prices.
  • In law, a contract is a legally binding agreement between parties.
  • The athlete's muscles can contract rapidly during exercise, helping with performance.
  • As the temperature drops, the metal will contract, causing the joints to tighten.
  • The government is looking to contract out some services to private companies.
  • His business was struggling due to a lack of a solid contract with clients.
  • As the balloon deflates, it will contract in size.

Usage notes

Use 'contract' in legal and business contexts. It may not be suitable in casual conversations. Also, be aware of its different meanings in legal versus general usage.

Grammar pattern

contract + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'contract' as a 'concrete pact'—it locks in promises.

Collocations

  • long-term
  • permanent
  • guaranteed
  • have
  • bid for
  • bid on
  • expire
  • be worth something
  • work
  • worker
  • manufacturer
  • in a/​the contract
  • on a contract
  • under contract (to)
  • (a) breach of contract
  • a contract of employment
  • a contract of sale
  • take out
  • have out
  • killer
  • killing
  • contract on

Synonyms

  • agreement
  • deal
  • pact
  • arrangement
  • understanding

Antonyms

  • break
  • violate
  • disregard

Common mistakes

  • 'Contract' confused with 'contracting' which relates to decreasing in size.
  • Using 'contract' as a verb without an object, e.g. 'I will contract.' without specifying what.
  • Mixing up 'contract' with 'agreement' (not all contracts are informal agreements).