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con·trac·tion
contraction
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- pronunciation:
- kn
traek
shn
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun)
part of speech: |
noun |
inflections: |
contractions |
definition 1: |
an act of contracting.
- synonyms:
- constriction, shortening, tightening
- antonyms:
- expansion, extension
- similar words:
- compression, flexion, narrowing, reduction, shrinking, squeeze, taper
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definition 2: |
the result of such an act.
- synonyms:
- construction, shortening, shrinkage, tightening
- antonyms:
- extension
- similar words:
- compactness, compression, decrease, diminution, reduction, tightness
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definition 3: |
a shortened form of a word or words, generally containing an apostrophe in the written form to represent missing letters. Contractions reflect the elimination of certain sounds as well as, in some cases, changes in sound and spelling, as when the vowel pronunciation changes in the case of "will not" being shortened to "won't."
"Can't" is a contraction of "cannot".
- synonyms:
- shortening, syncope
- similar words:
- elision
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related words: |
abbreviation, abridgment, travail |
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