French Conversation · Level 86
60 words
French word
contenir
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔ̃təniʁ/
Meaning
- verbcontain
Example
Cette boîte contient des biscuits.
This box contains biscuits.
More examples
Il a réussi à contenir sa colère.
He managed to contain his anger.
Core concept
Something stays held inside a boundary, whether it is an object in a box or a feeling held back.
Common phrases
contenir sa colère
contain his anger
contenir un rire
contain a laugh
Similar words
inclure: To include people or things within a group or range.
comprendre: To contain an element within an explanation or classification.
renfermer: To keep something enclosed so it cannot get out.
Definition in French
Indique qu'un récipient, un espace ou un objet renferme quelque chose à l'intérieur, et par extension qu'on retient ou limite une émotion, une quantité ou un élément.
Word origin
French contenir developed from Latin continere, combining com- 'together' with tenere 'to hold' and retaining the idea of holding within.
Usage tips
- The reflexive form se contenir commonly describes controlling one's own emotions, while contenir directly takes the thing that is held.