contracts

word · lemma: contract

/ˈkɑnˌtɹækts/, /kənˈtɹækts/
KON-trakts (noun), kuhn-TRAKTS (verb)
/ˈkɒnˌtɹækts/, /kənˈtɹækts/
KON-trakts (noun), kuhn-TRAKTS (verb)

Definition

'Contracts' is the plural of 'contract', meaning official agreements between two or more people or organizations. It can also be the third person singular of the verb 'to contract', meaning to become smaller, tighter, or to catch a disease.

Usage & Nuances

As a noun, 'contracts' refers to multiple legal agreements; it's very common in business and law. As a verb, 'contracts' can mean shrinks or gets an illness (formal/medical context). Don't confuse with 'contacts' (people you know). 'Sign contracts', 'break contracts', or 'contracts a virus' are common phrases.

Example Sentences

The company signed three new contracts this year.

basic

Many contracts are about selling products or services.

basic

She checks all the contracts carefully before signing them.

basic

When it gets cold, water contracts and turns to ice.

natural

He often contracts the flu during winter.

natural

Small businesses sometimes struggle with long legal contracts.

natural