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to contain
01
to have or hold something within or include something as a part of a larger entity or space
Transitive: to contain sth
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
State verb
Regular
Present tense
contain
3rd person singular
contains
Present participle
containing
Past simple
contained
Past participle
contained
Examples
The box regularly contains various items like books and documents.
02
to consist of or include several different elements or parts
Transitive: to contain components
Examples
The book contains stories from different cultures and traditions.
03
to hold back or manage one's emotions, actions, or impulses
Transitive: to contain a feeling
Examples
She had to contain her excitement when she heard the good news.
04
to stop or limit the growth or spread of a serious issue or problem
Transitive: to contain a problem or danger
Examples
The authorities are doing everything they can to contain the outbreak of the disease.
05
(of a number) to be divisible by another number without leaving a remainder
Transitive: to contain a number
Examples
Twelve contains three, as 12 divided by 3 equals 4.
Lexical Tree
contained
container
containment
contain
