contain
Definitions
To hold or have something inside
包含；容纳；装有
To keep something harmful within limits; to control
控制；遏制（不使扩散）
To hold back or restrain a feeling
抑制（情绪）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (together) + tain (hold) = 'hold together.' To contain is to hold things together within one boundary — a box contains objects, a report contains data. The same image extends to holding something dangerous inside a limit (contain a fire) and holding back a feeling so it doesn't burst out (contain your excitement).
Root tain still carries 87 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.contain information包含信息
- 2.contain the spread遏制扩散
- 3.contain a fire控制火势
- 4.barely contain几乎抑制不住
Example Sentences
- 1.
This drink contains no artificial sweeteners.
- 2.
Firefighters worked all night to contain the blaze.
- 3.
She could barely contain her excitement when she heard the news.
Easily Confused
contain vs include: contain points to everything held inside (the box contains 12 eggs — the whole content); include singles out part of a larger set (the price includes breakfast — breakfast is one item among others). A list contains 10 names; the list includes my name.