contain
[ kuhn-teyn ]
/ kənˈteɪn /
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verb (used with object)
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Origin of contain
synonym study for contain
1. Contain, accommodate, hold, express the idea that something is so designed that something else can exist or be placed within it. Contain refers to what is actually within a given container. Hold emphasizes the idea of keeping within bounds; it refers also to the greatest amount or number that can be kept within a given container. Accommodate means to contain comfortably or conveniently, or to meet the needs of a certain number. A passenger plane that accommodates 50 passengers may be able to hold 60, but at a given time may contain only 30.
OTHER WORDS FROM contain
con·tain·a·ble, adjectivepre·con·tain, verb (used with object)un·con·tain·a·ble, adjectiveWords nearby contain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for contain
British Dictionary definitions for contain
contain
/ (kənˈteɪn) /
verb (tr)
to hold or be capable of holding or including within a fixed limit or areathis contains five pints
to keep (one's feelings, behaviour, etc) within bounds; restrain
to consist of; comprisethe book contains three different sections
military to prevent (enemy forces) from operating beyond a certain level or area
maths
- to be a multiple of, leaving no remainder6 contains 2 and 3
- to have as a subset
Derived forms of contain
containable, adjectiveWord Origin for contain
C13: from Old French contenir, from Latin continēre, from com- together + tenēre to hold
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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