contraction
4 synonyms and 1 antonym for contraction, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A shortened form of a word or words, often marked with an apostrophe.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use contraction
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
use a contraction
labor contractions
economic contraction
Etymology
From Old French contraction, from Latin contractio, itself from contrahere ("to draw together"), the same root behind "contract."
Full origin of contraction →Frequently asked questions
What does “contraction” mean?
The word “contraction” means a shortened form of a word or words, often marked with an apostrophe. In plain terms, a shortened word, a tightening muscle spasm (especially in labor), or an economic shrinkage.
How do you pronounce “contraction”?
“Contraction” is pronounced kuhn-TRAKSHN (/kənˈtɹækʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “contraction” in a sentence?
Here is “contraction” used in a sentence: “"Don't" is a contraction of "do not.".”
What part of speech is “contraction”?
“Contraction” is a noun.
Where does the word “contraction” come from?
The word “contraction” comes from Latin. From Old French contraction, from Latin contractio, itself from contrahere ("to draw together"), the same root behind "contract.".
Is “contraction” a common word?
“Contraction” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “contraction” have?
“Contraction” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a shortened form of a word or words, often marked with an apostrophe.
