contractions

contractions — noun

1. word forms made by leaving out letters or sounds from a full expression, common

1.名詞B1
釋義

word forms made by leaving out letters or sounds from a full expression, common in speech and casual writing

例句

In class, Sumin circled the contractions in the dialogue.

identify contractions in dialogue

The editor removed contractions from the formal complaint.

avoid contractions in formal writing

同義詞
  • short form

    is a plain everyday label, but it does not always emphasize how the form was shortened

  • abbreviation

    is broader and can include initials or clipped titles, not only spoken-style forms like don't or we're

  • reduced form

    is more technical and is often used in grammar discussion

反義詞
  • full form

    names the complete version without letters or sounds removed

文法句型

use contractions

avoid contractions

contractions in speech

contractions in informal writing

用法筆記

This sense is most common when people talk about spoken English or informal writing. In formal documents, contracts, or academic essays, writers often prefer the full forms instead.

常見錯誤

❌Don't is an abbreviation of do not.
✅Don't is a contraction of do not.
💡abbreviation is a broader label; contraction specifically means the full form has been shortened by leaving something out.

2. repeated tightening movements of the uterus during labor that help push the baby

2.名詞C1
釋義

repeated tightening movements of the uterus during labor that help push the baby out

例句

Élise gripped the bed rail when the contractions grew closer together.

contractions grow closer together

The midwife timed each contraction while the hallway clock ticked.

time each contraction

同義詞
  • labor pain

    is a broader everyday term that focuses on the painful feeling rather than the physical tightening itself

  • uterine contraction

    is more exact and more medical in tone

文法句型

have contractions

strong contractions

contractions every five minutes

time contractions

用法筆記

Writers usually use the plural when talking about the stage of labor as a whole, as in have contractions all night. Use the singular when you mean one wave that can be timed or measured.

3. the action of a muscle or muscle fiber when it tightens and often becomes shorte

3.名詞C1
釋義

the action of a muscle or muscle fiber when it tightens and often becomes shorter as it works

例句

During the sprint, Liam felt strong contractions in his calf.

contractions in the calf

The scan showed small contractions moving food through the stomach.

muscle contractions move food

同義詞
  • tightening

    is a broader everyday word and does not always suggest the muscle is actively generating force

  • muscle action

    is broader and can include movement without focusing on shortening

  • spasm

    usually suggests a sudden, uncontrolled movement rather than normal working action

反義詞
  • relaxation

    describes the muscle letting go instead of tightening

文法句型

muscle contractions

sudden contractions

contractions in the calf

reduce contractions

用法筆記

This sense is technical and is common in medical, exercise, and biology contexts. Distinguish it from sense 2, which is specifically about the uterus during childbirth.

常見錯誤

❌Running gave her labor contractions in the calf.
✅Running caused muscle contractions in the calf.
💡use labor contractions only for childbirth; other body parts take the muscle sense.

4. the process of something pulling in, growing shorter, or taking up less physical

4.名詞C1
釋義

the process of something pulling in, growing shorter, or taking up less physical space

例句

Cold water caused contractions in the metal frame overnight.

contractions in metal

Engineers measured tiny contractions in the bridge during winter.

measure contractions in a bridge

同義詞
  • shrinkage

    often suggests becoming smaller in size, especially after heat, washing, or drying

  • shortening

    focuses more on length than on overall size

  • narrowing

    focuses on width or opening size, so it is more limited than contraction

反義詞
  • expansion

    describes something spreading out or taking up more space

文法句型

thermal contractions

contractions in metal

fabric contractions

lead to contractions

用法筆記

Use this sense for changes in physical size, length, or shape. Distinguish it from sense 5, which is about amount, level, or business activity rather than physical dimensions.

常見錯誤

❌The company announced a contraction because the steel pipe got shorter.
✅The steel pipe showed a contraction as it cooled.
💡this sense describes physical shrinking, not a change in sales or business activity.

5. a decrease in amount, level, or business activity

5.名詞C1
釋義

a decrease in amount, level, or business activity

例句

The town suffered job losses during sudden market contractions.

market contractions

Budget contractions forced the library to cut evening hours.

budget contractions

同義詞
  • reduction

    is a broad everyday word and does not always suggest an ongoing economic pattern

  • decline

    often focuses on moving downward over time rather than on the state of becoming smaller

  • downturn

    is mainly used for business or economic conditions

反義詞
  • growth

    focuses on increasing size, amount, or activity over time

  • expansion

    is especially common for businesses, economies, and markets becoming larger

文法句型

economic contractions

contractions in demand

budget contractions

market contractions

用法筆記

This sense is common in economics, planning, and reports about change over time. Distinguish it from sense 4, which is about physical size rather than numbers, supply, demand, or growth.