contain

The word “contain” means to hold something inside, or to have something as one of its parts. In plain terms, to hold something inside, or to keep something (a fire, a feeling, a problem) from getting bigger or spreading.

“Contain” is pronounced kuhn-TAYN (/kənˈteɪn/ in IPA).

Here is “contain” used in a sentence: “The box contains all the old photographs.”

Words with a similar meaning to “contain” include curb, repress, restrain, restrict and stifle.

The opposite of “contain” — its antonyms — are exclude, omit, release and vent.

“Contain” is a verb.

The word “contain” comes from Latin. From Old French contenir, from Latin continēre, "to hold together" — con- ("together") + tenēre ("to hold").

“Contain” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

To contain something is to hold it inside or have it within a whole — a bottle contains water. To include is to have something as one part among others, often with the sense of counting it in — the price includes tax. Contain suggests holding; include suggests being one member of a set.

Contain has three common senses. It can mean to hold something inside, as a box contains toys. It can mean to have as a component, as milk contains calcium. And it can mean to control or limit, as when authorities contain a fire or contain their anger to stop it spreading.

Yes. Besides holding something inside, contain can mean to keep something under control or stop it from spreading. You might contain a fire, contain an outbreak, or contain your excitement. In this sense it is close to 'restrain' or 'limit,' emphasising the effort to keep something within bounds.