Containable: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'continere,' which means to hold together.
• It combines 'contain' (to hold) and 'able' (capable of), suggesting the ability to be contained.
• The concept implies physical limits, but can also refer to ideas or emotions.

Psychology

• In psychology, containing emotions refers to the ability to manage feelings rather than letting them overflow.
• Therapists often help clients find healthy ways to express emotions that are containable.
• The idea supports mental health by allowing one to keep distressing thoughts in perspective.

Science

• In science, 'containable' often describes substances that can be safely contained, like chemicals in secure containers.
• Containment is key in environmental science, especially for managing spills or hazardous materials.
• A containment strategy is crucial for projects involving experiments to ensure safety.

Technology

• In computer science, 'containable' can refer to software components that are modular and can be managed easily.
• Containment in cybersecurity involves strategies to isolate threats and prevent them from spreading.
• Cloud technologies utilize containment techniques to keep data in secure environments while accessing it remotely.

Art

• In visual arts, containable shapes are often used in design to create tidy, understandable compositions.
• Artists may deliberately create 'containable' spaces in their work to focus the viewer's attention on a specific area.
• The concept of framing in art can be considered a way to make ideas or subjects containable within a border.