Contain

Pronunciation: /kənˈteɪn/

Definitions of contain

verb to hold or have within; to include or encompass

Example Sentences

A1 The box contains three apples.

A2 The recipe contains a list of ingredients.

B1 The report contains detailed analysis of the data.

B2 The book contains a chapter on historical events.

C1 The container contains a mixture of chemicals.

C2 The museum contains priceless artifacts from ancient civilizations.

Examples of contain in a Sentence

formal The box is designed to contain fragile items during shipping.

informal Make sure the Tupperware can contain all the leftovers.

slang I can't believe the party contained so many cool people.

figurative His emotions were difficult to contain after hearing the news.

Grammatical Forms of contain

• past tense: contained
• plural: contains
• comparative: more contained
• superlative: most contained
• present tense: contain
• future tense: will contain
• perfect tense: have contained
• continuous tense: is containing
• singular: contains
• positive degree: contain
• infinitive: contain
• gerund: containing
• participle: contained

Origin and Evolution of contain

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'contain' originated from the Latin word 'contineo', which means 'to hold together'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'contain' has evolved to not only mean physically holding something within, but also to include the idea of controlling or limiting something.