contain
verb/kənˈteɪn/
/kənˈteɪn/
not used in the progressive tensesVerb Forms
| present simple I / you / we / they contain | /kənˈteɪn/ /kənˈteɪn/ |
| he / she / it contains | /kənˈteɪnz/ /kənˈteɪnz/ |
| past simple contained | /kənˈteɪnd/ /kənˈteɪnd/ |
| past participle contained | /kənˈteɪnd/ /kənˈteɪnd/ |
| -ing form containing | /kənˈteɪnɪŋ/ /kənˈteɪnɪŋ/ |
- contain something if something contains something else, it has that thing inside it or as part of it
- This drink doesn't contain any alcohol.
- The documents contain sensitive information.
- Electronic products contain hazardous materials that cannot be deposited in landfills.
- His account contained an element of truth.
- to contain an amount/a number/a level of something
- He handed over a brown envelope containing a hundred dollar bills.
- The fish were found to contain traces of mercury.
- The bottle contains (= can hold) two litres.
- contained in something He said he was opposed to some of the provisions contained in the bill.
- contained within something The stories contained within these pages are highly enjoyable.
Extra Examples- The book contains no illustrations.
- These cells contain genes and proteins that interact with one another.
- The film contains amazing fight sequences.
- Her statement contained one or two inaccuracies.
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- to keep your feelings under control synonym restrain
- contain something She was unable to contain her excitement.
- She could hardly contain her excitement.
- contain yourself I was so furious I just couldn't contain myself (= I had to express my feelings).
- contain something to prevent something harmful from spreading or getting worse
- to contain an epidemic
- Government forces have failed to contain the rebellion.
Extra Examples- He introduced repressive measures to contain the violence.
- Overall planning policies are designed to contain the growth of urban sprawl.
Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French contenir, from Latin continere, from con- ‘altogether’ + tenere ‘to hold’.
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contain