B2noun formal 2K

Contract

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈkɒntrækt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈkɑːntrækt/"]/

Meaning of Contract

an official written agreement

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

Contract in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Contract

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.

Related words

Collocations with Contract

• 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 for Contract

• agreement
• deal
• pact
• arrangement
• understanding

Opposites of Contract

• break
• violate
• disregard

Common mistakes with Contract

• '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).

Frequently asked questions about Contract

What does Contract mean?

A legal agreement between two or more parties.

What is the definition of Contract?

an official written agreement

How do you use Contract in a sentence?

Before signing the contract, make sure to read all the terms carefully.

Can you give another example of Contract?

The company signed a contract with the supplier to secure better prices.

What are synonyms for Contract?

Common alternatives include agreement, deal, pact, arrangement, understanding.

What is the opposite of Contract?

Opposite meanings include break, violate, disregard.

What words go with Contract?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Contract?

'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).

How do you pronounce Contract?

US: /["/ˈkɑːntrækt/"]/, UK: /["/ˈkɒntrækt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Contract formal or informal?

"Contract" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Contract?

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.

What CEFR level is Contract?

"Contract" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.