contain
gb/kəntˈeɪn/ us/kəntˈeɪn/
A2
Inglés
~ 600
Acepciones
0 acepciones
Verbo
A2
action
1
Hold something within limits
To have something inside it or as part of it.
Patrón de uso:
to contain [something]
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes confuse 'contain' with 'include'. 'Contain' refers to something physically or conceptually inside; 'include' refers to being part of a group or list.
Sinónimos
hold (More general; can refer to physically supporting or keeping something in place, not just inside boundaries.)
Antónimos
release (Means to let something go out from where it was held or contained.)
Colocaciones
contain water
|contain information
|contain chemicals
|contain ingredients
Temas
daily life
|science
|space
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- The bag contains apples.
- This room contains a bed and a table.
- The box contains toys.
- Her phone contains many photos.
Verbo
B1
action
2
Control something harmful
To stop something bad from growing or spreading.
Patrón de uso:
to contain [problem/damage/fire/disease]
Error frecuente:
Learners may overuse 'stop' instead of 'contain', but 'contain' emphasizes control within limits, not complete elimination.
Sinónimos
control (Broad term; 'contain' suggests preventing spread beyond a limit.)
Antónimos
spread (Opposite in that it means to extend over a wider area.)
Colocaciones
contain a fire
|contain an outbreak
|contain the spread
|contain the damage
Temas
safety
|emergencies
|health
|science
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- They worked to contain the fire.
- We must contain the virus.
- He tried to contain the damage.
- Police contained the crowd.
Verbo
B1
action
3
Control emotions or actions
To stop yourself from showing strong feelings or actions.
Patrón de uso:
to contain [emotions/laughter/anger]
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes confuse 'contain' with 'hide'. 'Contain' means to hold back, not necessarily to hide completely.
Sinónimos
restrain (Focuses on holding back physically or emotionally; 'contain' often implies visible effort.)
Antónimos
express (Means to show feelings openly, opposite of holding them back.)
Colocaciones
contain anger
|contain excitement
|contain laughter
Temas
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- 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.
Gramática
Forma de diccionario
contain
AFI
GB/kəntˈeɪn/
US/kəntˈeɪn/
Sílabas y acento
con - tain (2 sílabas)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tain)
Formas de la palabra
Verb
- Base: contain
- 3rd Person Singular: contains
- Present Participle: containing
- Past: contained
Familia de palabras
Forms
contains
verb
containing
verb
contained
verb
Related words
containment
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
uncontainable
adjective
Advanced or less common
containable
adjective
Expresiones
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.
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos
- Please contain yourself during the ceremony.
- He could hardly contain himself when he heard the news.