ENGLISH
REFERENCE

contained

v.
B1 Intermediate US //kənˈteɪnd// UK //kəntˈeɪnd// con·tained

v. to have something inside or as a part of it. You use this when describing what is in a box, a book, or even a feeling.

v. to have or hold within; to include as a constituent element. Transitive — requires a direct object to specify the contents.


SIMPLE

The box contained several old photographs.

CONTEXTUAL

The report contained several errors that the team had to fix before the final deadline.

COMPLEX

The ancient vessel contained traces of olive oil and wine, providing archaeologists with vital clues about the dietary habits of the civilization that once thrived there.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In the passive voice, it is often followed by 'in' rather than 'by'.

Pitfall

The box was contained of booksThe box contained booksLearners often confuse 'contain' with 'consist of' or 'be composed of'; 'contain' is a simple transitive verb.

© 2026 English Reference