Contain: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“ฆ
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contain

 

[ kษ™nหˆteษชn ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

in a sentence

To contain means to hold or have within. It can refer to physically enclosing something, such as putting items in a box, or to include something as a part of a larger whole.

Synonyms

embrace, enclose, hold, include.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contain

Use when referring to something having or holding something within itself, often for physical objects or abstract ideas.

  • The bottle contains water
  • The story contains a surprising twist
hold

General term for having or keeping something in one's hand or within one's grasp, also for maintaining a position or state.

  • Can you hold my bag for a moment? The team holds the top position in the league
include

Useful when something is part of a whole or a list, emphasizing that it is counted or considered as part of a group.

  • The tour package includes meals and accommodations
  • The report includes data from various sources
enclose

Appropriate when something is surrounded or closed off on all sides, often physically. Frequently used in the context of letters and packages.

  • Please enclose your resume with the application
  • The garden is enclosed by a wooden fence
embrace

Best used when referring to holding someone closely in one's arms as a sign of affection, or metaphorically to accept or adopt an idea or change willingly.

  • She embraced her old friend warmly
  • He eagerly embraced the new technology

Examples of usage

  • The box contains all the items I need for the trip.
  • This book contains valuable information about the history of the region.
  • The report should contain detailed analysis of the data.
  • Our team will contain experts from various fields.
  • The package contains instructions on how to assemble the furniture.
Context #2 | Noun

in a sentence

In the context of biology, a container is a receptacle for holding items, usually liquids or specimens, such as a test tube or a petri dish.

Synonyms

holder, receptacle, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contain

Use when referring to something holding or having within itself. Often implies keeping something within limits.

  • This bottle contains water.
  • The book contains valuable information.
receptacle

Formal term for any container that holds objects or substances. Often used in technical or official contexts.

  • Please throw the trash in the receptacle.
  • The receptacle for donations is near the entrance.
vessel

Describes a container, especially one used for holding liquids. Can also refer to ships or large containers.

  • The vessel was filled with oil.
  • They sailed on a large vessel across the ocean.
holder

Refers to something designed to hold another object in place or keep it secure, often used for practical items.

  • She placed the pencil in the holder.
  • The cardholder keeps all your IDs organized.

Examples of usage

  • The scientist placed the sample in a sterile container.
  • The lab technician labeled each container with a unique code.

Translations

Translations of the word "contain" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น conter

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเคพเคฎเคฟเคฒ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช enthalten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mengandung

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะผั–ั‰ัƒะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zawieraฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅซใ‚€ (ใตใใ‚€)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท contenir

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ contener

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท iรงermek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํฌํ•จํ•˜๋‹ค (ํฌํ•จํ•˜๋‹ค)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุญุชูˆูŠ ุนู„ู‰

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ obsahovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ obsahovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŒ…ๅซ (bฤo hรกn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vsebuje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ innihalda

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะผั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ”แƒ˜แƒชแƒแƒ•แƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ehtiva etmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ contener

Etymology

The word 'contain' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Latin word 'contineo', meaning 'to hold together'. Over time, the meaning of 'contain' has evolved to encompass a wide range of contexts, from physical containment to abstract inclusion. The versatility of the word has made it a fundamental part of the English language, used in various fields such as science, literature, and everyday conversation.

See also: contained, container, containerize, containers, containment.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,309, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.