contraction
/kənˈtrækʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtrækʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈtrak-shən/ (ame, mw)
contraction — noun
- contractionsingular
- contractionsplural
1. the process of a material or object reducing in size, especially when it cools,
the process of a material or object reducing in size, especially when it cools, dries, or is placed under physical force
The contraction of metal rails in cold weather can cause dangerous gaps between them.
collocation: contraction of [material]
Dahlia noticed the slow contraction of the clay as it dried in the afternoon sun.
uncountable: the process of shrinking
A sudden contraction of the pupil occurs when you step into bright sunlight.
When the metal pipe cooled down, its contraction pulled the two ends apart.
After exercise, the contraction and relaxation of muscles helps blood circulate through the body.
- shrinking
more general and less technical; used for everyday objects
- constriction
suggests tightening or narrowing rather than overall size reduction
- compression
focuses on being pressed together by external force, not natural cooling or drying
- expansion
the process of getting larger in size
文法句型
contraction + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' to name the material or object that shrinks (e.g., contraction of the metal). The opposite process is expansion.
常見錯誤
2. the situation of an economy or industry shrinking, with less money being spent,
the situation of an economy or industry shrinking, with less money being spent, fewer goods produced, and reduced business activity
The country's economy experienced a sharp contraction after the trade tariffs took effect.
collocation: sharp contraction
Economists predicted a contraction in consumer spending during the winter months.
pattern: contraction in [area of activity]
The construction industry saw a fifteen percent contraction in the last quarter alone.
Layla studied how a rapid contraction in bank lending affects small businesses.
During an economic contraction, companies often freeze hiring to reduce their costs.
文法句型
contraction + in + noun phrase
economic contraction
用法筆記
Most common in economics and business journalism. Frequently paired with modifiers like sharp, severe, rapid, or modest. The standard opposite is expansion or growth.
3. one of the regular tightenings of a woman's womb muscles during childbirth that
one of the regular tightenings of a woman's womb muscles during childbirth that work together to move the baby down the birth canal
Ava's contractions started coming every ten minutes, so her husband drove her to the hospital.
usually plural: contractions
The midwife told Gabriela her contractions were too weak to push the baby out.
collocation: weak / strong contractions
During labour, contractions become stronger, longer, and closer together as time passes.
Padma breathed slowly through each contraction and tried to keep her body relaxed.
The doctor timed how far apart the contractions were to track the mother's progress.
- labour pains
everyday term focusing on the discomfort; less clinical than 'contractions'
- uterine contractions
medical term specifying the organ involved
文法句型
have + contractions
contractions + verb (start / come / become)
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural form (contractions) when referring to the birth process. The intensity and frequency of contractions increase as labour progresses.
常見錯誤
4. a single word made by joining two shorter words and removing some sounds, with a
a single word made by joining two shorter words and removing some sounds, with an apostrophe in place of the missing letters — for instance, 'won't' from 'will not' or 'I'm' from 'I am'
In spoken English, people often use contractions such as 'I'll' instead of 'I will'.
pattern: contraction such as [example]
The teacher explained that 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is' or sometimes 'it has'.
pattern: contraction of [full form]
Eitan practised using negative contractions like 'don't' and 'can't' in his English essay.
Formal academic writing usually avoids contractions, while text messages use them freely.
Yan was confused: 'she'd' can be a contraction of 'she had' or 'she would'.
- short form
broader term; includes abbreviations and contractions
- full form
the complete word or phrase before shortening
文法句型
contraction + of + full form
contraction for + full form
用法筆記
Common in everyday informal English, but most style guides recommend avoiding contractions in formal or academic writing. A contraction is different from a possessive (e.g., 'its' vs 'it's').