WordGarden.iocontain
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kəntˈeɪn/
US
- /kənˈteɪn/
Meanings
Verb
to have or hold something inside
to include particular parts, substances, or information
to control something dangerous so it does not spread or worsen
More meaningsFewer meanings
to stop oneself from showing a strong feeling
Beyond the definition
To contain something means to have it inside, to hold it, or to include it as part of a whole. A box contains toys, a book contains stories, and a city contains many different people and buildings. You might also say an idea contains a powerful message. It's about what something holds within its boundaries—both physically and figuratively. Think of a recipe: it contains instructions for making a delicious meal!
The word can be used in more abstract ways too. A situation might contain elements of danger, or a problem might contain several different issues that need to be addressed. Importantly, "contain" also means to keep something under control or within limits. For example, if you are trying to stay healthy, you might check a food label to see what it contains, while also trying to contain your appetite!
To contain means to hold something within its limits; to include or encompass. It suggests a boundary—physical or conceptual—that keeps something inside. A simple example is a jar containing marbles: the jar physically holds the marbles, preventing them from scattering. "This bottle contains two liters of water" tells us exactly what is held inside the container.
However, "contain" isn't limited to physical objects. Ideas can contain complex arguments, stories can contain moral lessons, and situations can contain hidden risks. For example: "The contract contained a clause about arbitration," meaning the clause was written within the agreement. Or, "Her speech contained a powerful message of hope."
Importantly, "contain" doesn't necessarily mean to fill a space completely. A large room might contain only a few pieces of furniture; it simply means those things are present within that space.
The word is also frequently used to suggest restraint or control. "She struggled to contain her anger" implies she was actively preventing her emotions from being expressed outwardly. Similarly, "containing the spread of a virus" refers to limiting its reach and keeping it from moving into new areas. Whether you're describing a vessel holding objects, an idea encompassing concepts, or someone controlling their emotions—to contain is about keeping something within boundaries, whether those are physical, conceptual, or emotional.
Examples
- 1
Box contents
The box contains all the parts you need to build the shelf.
- 2
Ingredients
This drink contains a lot of sugar.
- 3
Report contents
The report contains several mistakes.
- 4
Website information
The website contains useful advice for new teachers.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Emotional control
She could hardly contain her excitement when she saw the job offer.
- Phrasecontain your excitement
stop it from showing too much
- 6
Anger control
He was trying to contain his anger during the meeting.
- 7
Fire control
Firefighters managed to contain the fire before it reached the houses.
- Patterncontain a fire
stop it from spreading
- 8
Limited damage
The damage was contained to the front of the car.
- Patternbe contained to + place/area
stay limited to that place or area
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- containverb
Forms
- containsverb
- containedpast tenseverb
- containing-ing formverb