Reading Theme:
Contain: Definition, Common Uses & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：hold inside (contain)
contain
/kənˈteɪn/
vt.
To have something inside; to hold something within a space.
hold inside
➕
/həʊld ˈɪnˌsaɪd/
vt.
To have or keep something within a confined space or object.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'continere', meaning 'to hold together'.
💡 Mnemonic
CONtainer holds things IN.
📖 Example
Her lunch box contained a sandwich, an apple, and a bottle of juice.
Her lunch box held a sandwich, an apple, and a juice bottle within it.
🔗 Collocations
contain water – to have water inside
contain information – to hold data or details within
contain a secret – to keep something hidden inside
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
container (n.) – an object that can hold things inside
containment (n.) – the act of keeping something under control
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'continere' (to hold together), entering English in the 14th century to denote holding or enclosing within limits.
Meaning 2：control or restrain (contain)
contain
/kənˈteɪn/
vt.
To stop something (like a feeling, a fire, or a problem) from spreading or getting worse.
control or restrain
➕
/kənˈtrəʊl ɔː rɪˈstreɪn/
vt.
To prevent something from spreading, increasing, or getting worse, especially emotions or problems.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He tried hard to contain his laughter during the serious meeting.
He attempted to control his laughter in the serious meeting.
🔗 Collocations
contain emotions – to keep feelings under control
contain a crisis – to prevent a situation from worsening
contain the spread – to stop something from expanding
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
release (vt.) – to allow to go free or express
exacerbate (vt.) – to make a problem worse
🌱 Derivatives
containment (n.) – the act of keeping something under control
Wordbook
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