contraer (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/konˈtɾae̯ɾ/

Translation Options into English

• to contract
• to shrink
• to incur
• to catch

Meaning and Usage

The verb "contraer" in Spanish primarily means to decrease in size, to draw together, or to incur (as in debts). In medical contexts, it can refer to catching an illness or disease.

• Frequency of Use: "Contraer" is commonly used in both oral and written contexts. In legal and economic texts, it is particularly prominent due to its association with contracts and obligations.

Example Sentences

1. Los músculos pueden contraer y relajar.
   The muscles can contract and relax.

2. La empresa decidió contraer una nueva deuda.
   The company decided to incur a new debt.

3. Algunas personas pueden contraer enfermedades durante el invierno.
   Some people may catch illnesses during the winter.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Contraer" is involved in several idiomatic phrases, often relating to obligations or responsibilities. Here are some examples:

1. Contraer compromisos

2. To incur commitments.
   Es importante no contraer compromisos que no puedas cumplir.
   It is important not to incur commitments you cannot fulfill.

3. Contraer matrimonio

4. To marry (literally, to contract marriage).
   Decidieron contraer matrimonio en una ceremonia íntima.
   They decided to contract marriage in an intimate ceremony.

5. Contraer responsabilidades

6. To incur responsibilities.
   El gerente debe contraer responsabilidades por sus decisiones.
   The manager must incur responsibilities for his decisions.

Etymology

The word "contraer" comes from the Latin "contractare," which means to pull together or to draw together. The prefix "contra-" suggests opposition, while "tractare" relates to pulling or dragging.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Reducir (to reduce)
• Encoger (to shrink)

• Incluir (to incur)

• Antonyms:

• Expandir (to expand)
• Aumentar (to increase)
• Ampliar (to enlarge)