contain
kuhn-TAYN
Contain (verb) means to hold something inside, or to have something as one of its parts. Example: “The box contains all the old photographs.”
verb
1
To hold something inside, or to have something as one of its parts.
"The box contains all the old photographs."
"This report contains three separate sections."
"Does this sauce contain any nuts? My son is allergic to them."
2
To keep something under control so it does not spread or get worse.
"Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze."
"She struggled to contain her excitement."
"Vaccines help contain the spread of disease within a community."
How to use contain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hold something inside, or to keep something (a fire, a feeling, a problem) from getting bigger or spreading.
Common pairings
contain a virus
contain your emotions
contains no nuts
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- contains
- Past tense
- contained
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The box _____ all the old photographs.
Etymology
From Old French contenir, from Latin continēre, "to hold together" — con- ("together") + tenēre ("to hold").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for contain
See all rhymes for contain →Frequently asked questions
What does “contain” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “contain”?
“Contain” is pronounced kuhn-TAYN (/kənˈteɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “contain” in a sentence?
Here is “contain” used in a sentence: “The box contains all the old photographs.”
What is another word for “contain”?
Words with a similar meaning to “contain” include curb, repress, restrain, restrict and stifle.
What is the opposite of “contain”?
The opposite of “contain” — its antonyms — are exclude, omit, release and vent.
What part of speech is “contain”?
“Contain” is a verb.
Where does the word “contain” come from?
The word “contain” comes from Latin. From Old French contenir, from Latin continēre, "to hold together" — con- ("together") + tenēre ("to hold").
Is “contain” a common word?
“Contain” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between contain and include?
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.
What are the different meanings of contain?
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.
Can contain mean to hold back?
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.
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