contract

[ˈkɒntrækt (noun) / kənˈtrækt (verb)]
noun/verbpl: contracts
contrato
1. (noun) A formal written agreement between two or more parties that is legally binding
She signed a contract to work for the company for two years.
Ela assinou um contrato para trabalhar na empresa por dois anos.
2. (verb) To become smaller or to reduce in size, scope, or duration
The metal will contract when exposed to cold temperatures.
O metal vai se contrair quando exposto a temperaturas frias.
3. (verb) To enter into a formal agreement with someone
The company contracted with a local firm to handle the construction.
A empresa contratou uma empresa local para realizar a construção.
4. (verb) To acquire or develop an illness or disease
He contracted pneumonia after the flu.
Ele contraiu pneumonia após a gripe.
In Brazil, 'contrato' is extensively used in formal business, labor, and legal settings. The Labor Code (Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho - CLT) heavily regulates employment contracts. In the USA, contracts are fundamental to business culture and are often more detailed and litigious. NYC business culture emphasizes 'getting it in writing' and contract compliance is strictly enforced.
NYC Slang
deal, papers, agreement
Synonyms / Sinônimos
agreementaccorddealpactshrinkreducediminish
Antonyms / Antônimos
expandenlargegrowincreasebreachdisagreement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
contrato
Standard term used in legal and business contexts throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
contrato
Same as general Brazilian usage; no regional variation
São Paulo
contrato
Same as general Brazilian usage; common in business hub context
Portugal
contrato
Identical to Brazilian Portuguese; formal and legal usage the same

Related Words

contractorcontractualagreementclausebindingobligation

Related Idioms & Phrases

contract out - terceirizar, subcontratar
breach of contract - quebra/violação de contrato
under contract - sob contrato, comprometido legalmente
put out a contract - colocar um contrato (often used for criminal context)
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