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

Part of Speech

"Contraerse" is a verb in Spanish, specifically an infinitive verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/kon.tɾaˈeɾ.se/

Translation Options into English

• To contract
• To shrink
• To tense (a muscle)

Meaning and Usage

The verb "contraerse" means to contract, shrink, or draw back. It can be used in various contexts, including medical or biological terms, where muscles contract, or it can refer to businesses, economies, or materials that shrink. "Contraerse" is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, but it often appears in more formal situations such as academic or technical discussions.

Example Sentences

1. Al hacer ejercicio, los músculos tienden a contraerse para generar fuerza.

2. When exercising, muscles tend to contract to generate strength.

3. El material de la ropa puede contraerse en el lavado si no se lava adecuadamente.

4. The fabric of clothing can shrink in the wash if not washed properly.

5. Cuando el frío llega, los vasos sanguíneos se contraen para conservar el calor.

6. When the cold arrives, blood vessels contract to preserve heat.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Contraerse" is also used in various idiomatic expressions, often relating to the idea of drawing back or reducing in size or intensity. Here are some common idioms and expressions:

1. Contraerse de miedo
2. Translation: To contract in fear.
3. Example: Al escuchar el trueno, ella se contrajo de miedo.

4. Translation: Upon hearing the thunder, she contracted in fear.

5. Contraerse por presión

6. Translation: To contract under pressure.
7. Example: El metal se contrae por presión cuando se enfría.

8. Translation: The metal contracts under pressure when it cools.

9. Como se contrae el tiempo

10. Translation: As time contracts.
11. Example: Como se contrae el tiempo, debemos apresurarnos a terminar el proyecto.

12. Translation: As time contracts, we need to hurry to finish the project.

13. Contraerse angustiosamente

14. Translation: To contract painfully.
15. Example: Su estómago se contrajo angustiosamente al recibir la noticia.
16. Translation: Her stomach contracted painfully upon receiving the news.

Etymology

The word "contraerse" comes from the Latin "contrahere," which means "to draw together." The prefix "contra-" means "against" or "opposite," while "hacere" means "to make or do." Thus, it brings the nuance of pulling together or reducing in size.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Reducirse (to reduce) - Encogerse (to shrink) - Tense (in reference to muscles)

Antonyms: - Expandirse (to expand) - Aumentar (to increase) - Desplegar (to unfold)