subcontract etymology

Etymology:

  • Sub- (prefix): Below, subordinate
  • Contract (root): A formal agreement

Meaning:

A subcontract is a contractual arrangement in which a party (the subcontractor) agrees to perform part or all of the work or services under a larger contract (the main contract) held by another party (the contractor).

Origin:

The term "subcontract" emerged in the late 19th century, as businesses began to rely on external contractors and subcontractors to execute complex projects.

Historical Context:

  • In the early days of construction and manufacturing, projects were typically completed by a single contractor who employed a team of workers.
  • However, as projects became larger and more complex, contractors began outsourcing specialized tasks to subcontractors.
  • This allowed contractors to reduce their own workforce, specialize in specific areas, and access expertise not available within their organization.

Legal Basis:

Subcontracts are legally binding agreements that establish the terms and conditions of the work to be performed. They typically include:

  • Scope of work
  • Timeline
  • Budget
  • Payment terms
  • Liability provisions

Types of Subcontracts:

  • Fixed-price: The subcontractor agrees to complete the work for a set price.
  • Cost-plus: The subcontractor is reimbursed for all costs incurred, plus a percentage or fixed fee.
  • Time-and-materials: The subcontractor is paid an hourly rate for labor and materials used.

subcontract relate terms

  • contract

    Etymology The word contract comes from the Latin word contractus which means drawn

  • tract

    Etymology The word tract comes from the Latin tractus meaning a drawn line a stre

  • subcontractor

    Etymology The word subcontractor is derived from the following Latin words Sub pre

  • contractor

    Etymology The word contractor comes from the Latin verb contrahere which means to

  • subcontract

    Etymology Sub prefix Below subordinate Contract root A formal agreement Meani

  • hypo

    Etymology The word hypo comes from the Greek word hypo which means under or bel

  • suggest

    Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words étymon true meaning and l

  • suspect

    Etymology The word suspect is derived from the Latin word suspectus meaning distru

  • subject

    Etymology The word subject derives from the Late Latin subjectus meaning placed und

  • engage

    Etymology From Middle English enwagen from Old English onweagian On on upon

  • undertake

    Etymology The word undertake originates from the Middle English term undertaken whic

  • work

    Etymology The word work comes from the Old English word weorc which means to do t

  • employ

    Etymology The word employ comes from the Old French word emploier which in turn come

  • heir

    Etymology The word heir comes from the Old English word ierfe which originally meant

  • farm

    Etymology The word farm originates from the Old English word feorm which referred t

  • abhor

    Etymology Latin abhorrere to shrink away from in disgust or horror Proto Indo Euro

  • oligarchy

    Etymology Greek oligarchia oligos few arkhos leader Meaning and Origin Ol