“Condense” and “contract” both refer to processes of becoming smaller or reducing in size, but they have distinct uses and meanings:

1. Condense: This term usually refers to the process of making something denser or more compact, often by reducing space or volume. It can apply to both physical and abstract contexts:

• • Physical usage: In science, “condense” often describes the process of gas turning into a liquid (like water vapour condensing into droplets).
  • Abstract usage: “Condense” can mean summarizing or shortening information without losing its essence, as in “condensing a long report.”

2. Contract: This term generally means to draw together or shrink, specifically through reducing size or length. It often implies a pulling-in effect:

• • • Physical usage: Muscles “contract” when they tighten or shorten. Materials like metal may “contract” when cooled.
    • Abstract usage: “Contract” can also mean agreeing, as in “contracting a deal.”

In short, “condense” implies making something denser or more compact, often by reducing volume, while “contract” implies a drawing together or shrinking, often with a pulling effect.