containverb
To contain is to hold something inside a space or within limits.
have insidehave something inside, or have something as a part
transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] not used in continuous tenses [no continuous]
- The box contained old letters and photos. V + obj
- This drink contains a lot of sugar. V + obj
- Her email contained several mistakes. V + obj
- Does this soup contain meat? V + obj
Collocations
verb + noun contain information, contain sugar, contain mistakes, contain detailsadverb + verb also contain, usually containSynonyms hold
stop from spreadingkeep something harmful from spreading or becoming worse
transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]
- Firefighters worked all night to contain the fire. V + obj
- The school acted quickly to contain the illness. V + obj
Collocations
Synonyms control
feelingscontrol a strong feeling so that you do not show it
Usually with a negative or with hardly or barely.
transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]
- She could hardly contain her excitement. V + obj
- He couldn't contain himself and started laughing. V + obj
Synonyms control
Word family
- container
Choosing between contain · include
Use contain for what is inside something, such as a box, a bottle, a food, or a piece of writing: the bottle contains water. Use include when something is one part of a larger group or total, and there are other parts too: the price includes breakfast.