What is contain? Pronunciation and usage in English

contain means . Learn how to pronounce and use contain through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of contain

containverb

/kənˈteɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of contain

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "contain" in English. It's a trickier one than it looks! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /kənˈteɪn/ (This is the one you'll hear most often)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • con: Pronounced like "con" as in "connect". It's a short, quick sound.
  • tain: This is the tricky part. It's pronounced with a "long a" sound, similar to the "a" in "say" or "day." The "t" is a regular "t" sound.

Putting it together:

Think of it as: con-TAIN (with emphasis on the second syllable – "TAIN").

Here's a more detailed breakdown with mouth movements (this is hard to convey in text, but helpful):

  • "con": Your tongue should be low in your mouth, rounding your lips slightly.
  • "tain": Raise your tongue to the "long a" position (like in "say"). Your lips should be relaxed and neutral.

Resources to help you hear it:

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Short "a" sound: Don't say "con-ain" like "again." This is a very common mistake!
  • Overly stressed first syllable: While "con" is the start, the emphasis really lands on the second syllable.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word contain in English

Let's break down how to use the word "contain" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. To Hold or Include (Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: To have something inside; to hold or enclose.
  • Examples:
    • "The box contains twelve apples." (It has twelve apples inside of it.)
    • "The report contains a detailed analysis." (The report includes a detailed analysis.)
    • "The glass bottle contains water." (The bottle holds water.)
    • "My backpack contains a book, a notebook, and a pen." (It includes these items.)

2. To Control or Restrain (Emotion, Behavior)

  • Definition: To keep something under control; to prevent it from spreading.
  • Examples:
    • "He struggled to contain his laughter." (He tried to hold back his laughter.)
    • "The police tried to contain the crowd." (They attempted to control the crowd's movement.)
    • "The government is trying to contain the spread of the disease." (They are aiming to prevent it from spreading further.)
    • "She couldn't contain her excitement about the news." (She couldn't stop her excitement.)

3. To Include as an Element (More Formal)

  • Definition: To be an integral part of something, or to be a component.
  • Examples:
    • "The curriculum contains a module on climate change." (Climate change is part of the curriculum.)
    • “The recipe contains several different spices.” (The recipe includes these spices.)
    • "The solution contains several key ingredients." (The solution is made up of these ingredients.)

4. To Include as a Subject (Often in discussions or narratives)

  • Definition: To address or consider something as part of a broader topic.
  • Examples:
    • "The book contains a fascinating exploration of ancient civilizations." (The book covers this topic.)
    • "The debate contained arguments on both sides." (The debate included these arguments.)

5. "Containment" (as a Noun – a specific concept)

  • Definition: This is a specific term with a particular meaning, most often relating to geographic strategy: The act of limiting the spread of something harmful (like a disease, an invasion, or a situation).
  • Examples:
    • "The government’s strategy focused on containment of the refugee crisis."
    • "The virus spread rapidly, highlighting the need for better containment measures."

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of "contain" depends heavily on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand exactly what the sentence is saying.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms to help you vary your language: hold, include, enclose, restrain, limit, integrate, encompass
  • Phrasal Verbs: “Contain” is frequently used with phrasal verbs:
    • Contain out: To suppress or hold back emotions (e.g., "She tried to contain out her anger.")
    • Contain up: To hold up or prevent from falling (e.g., "The glue contained up the broken pieces.")

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "contain" in? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, having a conversation)
  • Can you provide an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word contain

Practice with vocabulary contain

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The latest research paper _______ critical data concerning climate change patterns.
  2. Emergency services worked tirelessly to _______ the chemical spill and prevent further environmental damage.
  3. The final proposal _______ an executive summary, detailed project plans, and financial projections.
  4. To ensure data security, all sensitive information must be _______ in encrypted folders.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The safety regulations stipulate that all hazardous waste must be securely _______. a) stored b) held c) contained

  2. The new software update is expected to _______ several bug fixes and performance enhancements. a) encompass b) include c) hold d) contain

  3. It's crucial to _______ the spread of misinformation during a crisis. a) restrain b) control c) restrict d) contain

  4. The entire course curriculum _______ practical assignments, theoretical lectures, and a final project. a) embodies b) comprises c) presents d) features

  5. The architect's design aimed to _______ the historical significance of the building while modernizing its interior. a) embrace b) integrate c) enclose d) encompass

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The email has important attachments and confidential information. (Rewrite using "contain")
  2. Authorities are trying to stop the spread of the virus within the community. (Rewrite using "contain")
  3. The company's annual report shows a comprehensive overview of its financial performance. (Rewrite without using "contain")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. contains
  2. contain
  3. includes
  4. stored

Exercise 2:

  1. a) stored, b) held, c) contained
  2. a) encompass, b) include, d) contain
  3. a) restrain, b) control, c) restrict, d) contain
  4. b) comprises, d) features
  5. a) embrace, b) integrate, d) encompass

Exercise 3:

  1. The email contains important attachments and confidential information.
  2. Authorities are trying to contain the spread of the virus within the community.
  3. The company's annual report presents a comprehensive overview of its financial performance.

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