contain
gb/kəntˈeɪn/ us/kəntˈeɪn/
A2
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Hold something within limits
To have something inside it or as part of it.
Usage pattern:
to contain [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'contain' with 'include'. 'Contain' refers to something physically or conceptually inside; 'include' refers to being part of a group or list.
Synonyms
hold (More general; can refer to physically supporting or keeping something in place, not just inside boundaries.)
Antonyms
release (Means to let something go out from where it was held or contained.)
Collocations
contain water
|contain information
|contain chemicals
|contain ingredients
Themes
daily life
|science
|space
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The bottle contains one liter of milk.
- This box contains all the parts you need.
- The package contains fragile items, so handle it carefully.
- The file contains sensitive information.
- The jar contains homemade jam.
Learner examples
- The bag contains apples.
- This room contains a bed and a table.
- The box contains toys.
- Her phone contains many photos.
Verb
B1
action
2
Control something harmful
To stop something bad from growing or spreading.
Usage pattern:
to contain [problem/damage/fire/disease]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'stop' instead of 'contain', but 'contain' emphasizes control within limits, not complete elimination.
Synonyms
control (Broad term; 'contain' suggests preventing spread beyond a limit.)
Antonyms
spread (Opposite in that it means to extend over a wider area.)
Collocations
contain a fire
|contain an outbreak
|contain the spread
|contain the damage
Themes
safety
|emergencies
|health
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Firefighters worked to contain the wildfire before it reached the town.
- The government is trying to contain the spread of the virus.
- We must act quickly to contain the damage after the leak.
- Security forces contained the riot before it got worse.
- Measures were taken to contain inflation.
Learner examples
- They worked to contain the fire.
- We must contain the virus.
- He tried to contain the damage.
- Police contained the crowd.
Verb
B1
action
3
Control emotions or actions
To stop yourself from showing strong feelings or actions.
Usage pattern:
to contain [emotions/laughter/anger]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'contain' with 'hide'. 'Contain' means to hold back, not necessarily to hide completely.
Synonyms
restrain (Focuses on holding back physically or emotionally; 'contain' often implies visible effort.)
Antonyms
express (Means to show feelings openly, opposite of holding them back.)
Collocations
contain anger
|contain excitement
|contain laughter
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She could hardly contain her excitement when she saw the gift.
- He tried to contain his anger during the meeting.
- I struggled to contain my laughter during the performance.
- He contained his disappointment and smiled politely.
- They could not contain their joy after hearing the news.
Learner examples
- I could not contain my happiness.
- She tried to contain her anger.
- He contained his laughter in class.
- We contained our excitement until the party.
Grammar
Dictionary form
contain
IPA
GB/kəntˈeɪn/
US/kəntˈeɪn/
Syllables & stress
con - tain (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tain)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: contain
- 3rd Person Singular: contains
- Present Participle: containing
- Past: contained
Word family
Forms
contains
verb
containing
verb
contained
verb
Related words
containment
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
uncontainable
adjective
Advanced or less common
containable
adjective
Expressions
contain an outbreak
1/kəntˈeɪn ən ˈaʊtbɹˌeɪk/
fixed phrase
Control a sudden increase of disease or violence
Stop a sudden problem like disease or violence from growing bigger.
Examples
- Doctors rushed to contain the outbreak in the city.
- They managed to contain an outbreak of unrest in the region.
contain the spread
1/kəntˈeɪn ðə spɹˈɛd/
fixed phrase
Stop something from spreading further
Stop something from moving into more areas.
Examples
- Officials are working to contain the spread of the disease.
- Quick action helped contain the spread of the fire.
contain yourself
1/kəntˈeɪn jʊɹsˈɛlf/
fixed phrase
Control your emotions or behavior
Stay calm and do not show your feelings too much.
Examples
- Please contain yourself during the ceremony.
- He could hardly contain himself when he heard the news.