Langimage
English

contractionary

|con-trac-tion-ar-y|

C1

🇺🇸

/kənˈtrækʃəˌnɛri/

🇬🇧

/kənˈtrækʃənəri/

economic reduction

Etymology
Etymology Information

'contractionary' originates from the word 'contraction,' which comes from Latin 'contractio,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'trahere' meant 'to draw.'

Historical Evolution

'contractio' transformed into the Old French word 'contraction,' and eventually became the modern English word 'contractionary' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'drawing together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'reducing economic activity.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

relating to or causing a reduction in economic activity or the money supply.

The central bank implemented contractionary policies to curb inflation.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42