Contain: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆ
contain
[ kษnหteษชn ]
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
contain |
Use when referring to something having or holding something within itself, often for physical objects or abstract ideas.
|
hold |
General term for having or keeping something in one's hand or within one's grasp, also for maintaining a position or state.
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include |
Useful when something is part of a whole or a list, emphasizing that it is counted or considered as part of a group.
|
enclose |
Appropriate when something is surrounded or closed off on all sides, often physically. Frequently used in the context of letters and packages.
|
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.
|
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.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
contain |
Use when referring to something holding or having within itself. Often implies keeping something within limits.
|
receptacle |
Formal term for any container that holds objects or substances. Often used in technical or official contexts.
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vessel |
Describes a container, especially one used for holding liquids. Can also refer to ships or large containers.
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holder |
Refers to something designed to hold another object in place or keep it secure, often used for practical items.
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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:
๐ต๐น conter
๐ฎ๐ณ เคถเคพเคฎเคฟเคฒ เคเคฐเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช enthalten
๐ฎ๐ฉ mengandung
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะผัััะฒะฐัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ zawieraฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ๅซใ (ใตใใ)
๐ซ๐ท contenir
๐ช๐ธ contener
๐น๐ท iรงermek
๐ฐ๐ท ํฌํจํ๋ค (ํฌํจํ๋ค)
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุญุชูู ุนูู
๐จ๐ฟ obsahovat
๐ธ๐ฐ obsahovaลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ๅ ๅซ (bฤo hรกn)
๐ธ๐ฎ vsebuje
๐ฎ๐ธ innihalda
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะฐะผัั
๐ฌ๐ช แจแแแชแแแก
๐ฆ๐ฟ ehtiva etmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.
- ...
- 1306 accept
- 1307 possession
- 1308 properly
- 1309 contain
- 1310 proportion
- 1311 milk
- 1312 conclusion
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