contain Meaning & Definition
What Does Contain Mean?
Contain is used as a verb meaning To hold inside. It can also mean To include as a part.
Contain in Brief
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /kənˈteɪn/ |
| Synonyms | control, incorporate and hold |
| Antonyms | exclude, omit and release |
| Verb forms | contains, containing, contained |
Contain Definition (Verb)
- To hold inside.
The brown box contains three stacks of books.
- To include as a part.
Most of the meals they offer contain meat.
- To put constraints upon; to restrain; to confine; to keep within bounds.
I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself!
- To have as an element or subset.
A group contains a unique inverse for each of its elements.
- To restrain desire; to live in continence or chastity.
Verb
- To put constraint upon; to restrain; to confine; to keep within bounds.
I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself!
- (of a set etc.) To have as an element or subset.
A group contains a unique inverse for each of its elements.
Synonyms of Contain
Antonyms of Contain
Contain in a Sentence
The brown box contains three stacks of books.
a spray bottle containing water.
Most of the meals they offer contain meat.
I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself!
A group contains a unique inverse for each of its elements.
If that subgraph contains the vertex in question then it must be spanning.
Word Forms & Grammar
contain (third-person singular simple present contains, present participle containing, simple past and past participle contained)
Words That Rhyme With Contain
Origin of Contain
From Middle English conteinen, borrowed from Old French contenir, from Latin continēre (“to hold or keep together, comprise, contain”), combined form of con- (“together”) + teneō (“to hold”).
Common Questions About Contain
What part of speech is contain?
Contain is a verb.
What is another word for contain?
Close synonyms of contain are control, incorporate and hold. See the full list of contain synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of contain?
Words opposite in meaning to contain are exclude, omit, release and vent.
What is the past tense of contain?
The past tense of contain is contained. The present participle is containing.