contraction — the process of becoming smaller or shorter
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the process of becoming smaller or shorter
Pronunciation (IPA): /kənˈtrækʃən/
Example Sentences
- The rubber ball showed significant contraction after being left in the freezer overnight.
- My wife's contractions started during the season finale of our favorite TV show - talk about bad timing!
- Students often struggle with contractions like 'would've' and 'shouldn't've' in English.
contraction
NOUN[/kənˈtrækʃən/]
the process of becoming smaller or shorter

A sudden contraction made the mother grip the hospital bed tightly.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin contractio, derived from contrahere meaning 'to draw together,' combined with the Latin prefix con- (together) and trahere (to draw or pull).
Breakdown
con- (together) + tract (draw/pull) + -ion (noun suffix) = contraction
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The rubber ball showed significant contraction after being left in the freezer overnight.”
“My wife's contractions started during the season finale of our favorite TV show - talk about bad timing!”
“Students often struggle with contractions like 'would've' and 'shouldn't've' in English.”
“The economic contraction hit so hard that even the dollar stores started charging two dollars.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.