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contain

When using "contain" to mean "include," it refers to what is inside something. For example, a box contains toys. Do not confuse this with "include," which can also refer to being part of a list or group. When talking about emotions, "contain" usually means trying to hide or stop a feeling from showing. It is often used in the negative, such as "could not contain her joy." In medical or emergency contexts, "contain" specifically means stopping something bad (like a virus or a fire) from spreading to other areas.

💬Trò chuyện

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Mark is hiding in the breakroom while David is in a meeting.
David Smith

Mark, does that folder contain the Q3 projections or just your memes?

David Smith
Mark
Mark

My bad, I'm totally zoning out. Let me double check.

💡
David is using 'contain' in the sense of holding or including items within a folder. Mark responds with the slang term 'zoning out', meaning he has lost focus or is daydreaming, which fits his slacker persona.

Ý nghĩa

verb (transitive)

To have or hold someone or something within; to include as a part of a whole.

"The envelope contains a letter and two photographs."

verb (transitive)

To keep something harmful or dangerous under control or within limits.

"Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze before it reached the residential area."

verb (transitive)

To restrain one's emotions or impulses.

"She could hardly contain her excitement when she heard the news."

Last Updated: May 23, 2026Report an Error