English Reference
verb · adjective

contained

v. · adj.
US /kənˈteɪnd/ UK /kəntˈeɪnd/ con·tained

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.to have something inside or to be part of something.

    v.to have held or included something within a defined space or volume; the past tense or past participle of the transitive verb.

    Simple

    The old box contained several letters from her grandfather.

    In context

    The report contained several classified documents that had been mistakenly left in the public archive for over a decade.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to have prevented something dangerous or unpleasant from spreading.

    v.to have restricted the spread or influence of something harmful, such as a fire, a disease, or an enemy force.

    Simple

    The firefighters finally contained the forest fire after three days.

    In context

    Public health officials worked tirelessly until the outbreak was contained within the northern provinces, preventing a national crisis.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.kept within a small or specific area.

    adj.restricted to a specific area or volume; often used in technical or safety contexts.

    Simple

    The chemical spill was contained in a small area of the lab.

    In context

    The experiment was conducted in a contained environment to ensure that no external contaminants could influence the results.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.keeping your feelings under control and not showing them to others.

    adj.showing emotional self-restraint or being self-controlled in manner.

    Simple

    Even though she was angry, her reaction was very contained.

    In context

    His contained response to the criticism surprised his colleagues, who had expected a much more defensive outburst.

    demonstrativeuncontrolled
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated