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Meaning of contain in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /kənˈteɪn/

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  1. Verb

    contain

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Old French contenir, from Latin continere, from con-‘altogether’ + tenere‘to hold’

    Definitions

    1. include or contain

    Examples

    • « have as a component »
    • « A totally new idea is comprised in this paper »
    • « The record contains many old songs from the 1930's »
  2. 2. contain or hold

    Examples

    • « have within »
    • « The jar carries wine »
    • « The canteen holds fresh water »
    • « This can contains water »
  3. 3. lessen the intensity of

    Examples

    • « temper »
    • « hold in restraint »
    • « hold or keep within limits »
    • « moderate your alcohol intake »
    • « hold your tongue »
    • « hold your temper »
    • « control your anger »
  4. 4. be divisible by

    Examples

    • « 24 contains 6 »
  5. 5. be capable of holding or containing

    Examples

    • « This box won't take all the items »
    • « The flask holds one gallon »
  6. 6. hold back, as of a danger or an enemy

    Examples

    • « check the expansion or influence of »
    • « Arrest the downward trend »
    • « Check the growth of communism in Sout East Asia »
    • « Contain the rebel movement »
    • « Turn back the tide of communism »

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