contract

[ˈkɒntrækt]

contract Definition

  • 1a written or spoken agreement that is intended to be enforceable by law
  • 2a legal document that states and explains a formal agreement between two different people or groups, or the agreement itself
  • 3to make or become smaller in size, amount, or degree

Using contract: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "contract" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    We signed a contract with the new supplier.

  • Example

    The contract specifies the terms of the agreement.

  • Example

    She breached the contract by failing to deliver the goods on time.

  • Example

    The company decided to contract its operations in order to reduce costs.

contract Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for contract

Antonyms for contract

Idioms Using contract

  • legally bound by a contract

    Example

    The parties are in contract and must fulfill their obligations.

  • not legally bound by a contract

    Example

    The player became a free agent when he went out of contract.

  • working under a contract

    Example

    The actor is currently on contract with the studio.

Phrases with contract

  • failure to fulfill the terms of a contract

    Example

    The contractor was sued for breach of contract.

  • to hire another company or person to do work that is usually done by your own company or employees

    Example

    We decided to contract out the IT services to a third-party provider.

  • social contract

    an implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits

    Example

    The concept of a social contract has been debated by philosophers for centuries.

Origins of contract

from Latin 'contractus', meaning 'drawn together'

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Summary: contract in Brief

A 'contract' [ˈkɒntrækt] is a legally binding agreement between two parties, either written or spoken. It can also refer to the document that outlines the agreement. The term can also mean to become smaller in size, amount, or degree. Examples include 'We signed a contract with the new supplier,' and 'The company decided to contract its operations.' Phrases include 'breach of contract' and 'social contract.'

How do native speakers use this expression?