contain
Formscontains, containing, contained
- 1To have something as one of its parts, like a book with pictures or a list with names.
Like a fruit basket that has apples and oranges in it.
This soup contains carrots, peas, and beans.
Does this recipe contain eggs or milk?
UsageSay the soup contains carrots (not
incorrect: is containing). - 2To hold something inside, keeping it enclosed.
Like a box that keeps toys inside it.
This bottle can contain two liters of water.
The old chest contained dozens of letters.
Similarhold, accommodate, store
Note
- 3To keep something under control so it does not spread or grow.
Like keeping a campfire inside a ring of stones so it cannot spread.
Firefighters worked hard to contain the blaze.
A sturdy fence contains the sheep within the field.
UsageUse it for things that spread: contain a fire or a disease.
Similarcontrol, curb, limit, restrain, check
Note
Less common meanings
Practice
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Origin
From Latin continere, meaning "to hold together." It is made of con- ("together") and teneo ("to hold").
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Contain ultimately derives from Latin continere. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin continere means to hold together. en.wiktionary.org
- The Latin verb combines con-, meaning together, and teneo, meaning to hold. en.wiktionary.org