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View synonyms for self-contained

self-contained

[ self-kuhn-teynd, self- ]

adjective

  1. containing in oneself or itself all that is necessary; independent.
  2. reserved or uncommunicative.
  3. self-controlled or self-possessed.
  4. (of a machine or mechanism) complete in itself.


self-contained

adjective

  1. containing within itself all parts necessary for completeness
  2. (of a flat) having its own kitchen, bathroom, and lavatory not shared by others and usually having its own entrance
  3. able or tending to keep one's feelings, thoughts, etc, to oneself; reserved
  4. able to control one's feelings or emotions in the presence of others
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌself-conˈtainedly, adverb
  • ˌself-conˈtainedness, noun
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Other Words From

  • self-con·tain·ed·ly [self, -k, uh, n-, tey, -nid-lee, self-], adverb
  • self-con·tained·ness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of self-contained1

First recorded in 1585–95
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Example Sentences

The Atlanta rapper has accomplished something comparable to what Tyler, the Creator has done in L.A. over the years — build a self-contained universe around the intersection of uncompromising hip-hop, “Hesher” dirtbag aesthetics and avant-garde fashion.

It feels familiar and self-contained, the two of us alone in our little rectangle-shaped world.

The Wooster Group version is a far cry from the “sober” and “emotionally self-contained” vision that Foreman claimed he was after.

More often than not, these shows are episodic — meaning most episodes tell self-contained stories rather than serve as chapters in a single narrative.

The situation of a young woman showing up at a psychotherapist’s office with a gun sets up a self-contained dramatic situation that audiences seem to relish.

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