Contained Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contained

[kษ™nหˆteษชndษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a certain place

Having within; not free from; not loose; restrained or confined; as, water contained in a vessel; a contained fire.

Synonyms

confined, enclosed, restrained.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contained

Used when something is kept within limits or holds itself under control.

  • The fire was contained before it could spread to nearby houses.
  • She contained her excitement during the serious meeting.
enclosed

Used when something is completely surrounded or closed off.

  • The garden is enclosed by a high hedge.
  • She enclosed the letter in an envelope before mailing it.
confined

Used when something is restricted to a certain space or area, often implying limited freedom.

  • The prisoners were confined to their cells for most of the day.
  • Due to the quarantine, people were confined to their homes.
restrained

Used when something is held back or kept under control, often involving physical or emotional control. It can have a negative connotation if it implies suppression.

  • He was restrained by the security guards when he tried to run.
  • Despite her anger, she spoke in a restrained manner.

Examples of usage

  • The jewels were contained in a locked safe.
  • The cat was contained in a cage during the transportation.
Context #2 | Verb

to hold or include within its volume or area

To have capacity for; to be able to hold; to hold; to have; as, a vessel that contains ten quarts.

Synonyms

comprise, hold, include.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contained

Used when something is held or kept within defined limits or boundaries.

  • The box contained several old photos.
  • Her excitement was contained, but her eyes sparkled with joy.
hold

Used to describe the action of keeping something in one's possession or a state of containing something; can also mean having the capacity for something.

  • He held the baby in his arms.
  • The bottle holds one liter of water.
include

Used when adding one or more elements as part of a whole or a list.

  • The price includes taxes.
  • Please include your phone number in the form.
comprise

Used when talking about the elements or parts that make up a whole; often used more formally.

  • The committee comprises ten members.
  • The book comprises ten chapters.

Examples of usage

  • The box contains all the necessary tools for the job.
  • This book contains information about various historical events.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In chemistry, 'contained' often refers to substances that are held within a vessel, preventing reactions with the outside environment.
  • Biological containment is crucial in labs to prevent harmful microorganisms from escaping into the environment.
  • The concept of 'contained' in physics pertains to energy being kept within certain parameters, such as in insulated systems.

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, being 'contained' can refer to individuals managing their emotions within certain boundaries.
  • Therapeutic practices often teach people how to contain their feelings and reactions, leading to better emotional regulation.
  • The idea of 'contained' can also refer to memories and thoughts being organized and not spilling over into anxiety.

Literature

  • In many novels, the metaphor of containment is used to explore characters' struggle with their inner desires versus societal expectations.
  • Poets often use 'contained' imagery to symbolize emotions held back, creating tension in their work.
  • The theme of containment is prevalent in dystopian literature, reflecting characters trapped in oppressive societies.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, the idea of something being 'contained' is often portrayed through plots where characters are trapped in physical or metaphorical places.
  • Shows that deal with relationships often explore themes of containment in the form of emotional repression or conflict.
  • The concept also appears in games where players must solve puzzles within contained environments to progress.

Origin of 'contained'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'contenere', meaning 'to hold together', showing its roots in the concept of holding.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally spelled as 'contayne' or 'contayne'.
  • Related words like 'container' and 'containing' share the same root, highlighting their connections to holding things.

The word 'contained' originated from the Latin word 'contineo', which means 'to hold together'. Over the years, the word has evolved to represent the idea of something being within limits or boundaries. It is often used to describe something that is enclosed, restrained, or confined.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,026, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.