content
content Lexical Profile
content Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
In a state of peaceful happiness and quiet satisfaction with one's current situation.
"After retiring from her busy corporate career, she felt completely content living in a quiet coastal village."
Willing to accept a particular condition, circumstance, or course of action without complaint.
"Not content to merely observe from the sidelines, the students organized a community cleanup drive."
• noun
The things that are held or included inside a container, receptacle, or space, or the list of chapters and sections in a publication (usually used in the plural).
"Before boarding the flight, the traveler carefully inspected the contents of his suitcase to ensure he had his passport."
The information, material, or creative work presented in a book, speech, website, or other medium, as distinct from its form or style.
"The educational platform produces engaging video content designed to help high school students master calculus."
The amount or proportion of a specified substance contained within something.
"Nutritionists recommend choosing whole grain breads with a high fiber content and minimal added sugar."
A state of peaceful satisfaction and ease of mind.
"On the weekends, the children were allowed to play in the orchard to their hearts' content."
• verb
To make someone pleased or satisfied, or to accept a limited achievement or situation without striving for more (often used reflexively).
"Because the mountain pass was closed by heavy snow, the hikers had to content themselves with exploring the lower valley trails."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Content" is a heteronym: when stressed on the first syllable (/ˈkɒntɛnt/), it is a noun referring to what is contained inside something or digital media; when stressed on the second syllable (/kənˈtɛnt/), it functions as an adjective, verb, or noun relating to satisfaction. As an adjective meaning "satisfied," it is used almost exclusively in the predicate position (e.g., "she is content"), whereas "contented" is used before a noun (e.g., "a contented smile").
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French and Medieval Latin contentus, the past participle of continere ("to hold together, enclose, or restrain"), formed from com- ("together") and tenere ("to hold"). The sense of satisfaction evolved from the idea of having one's desires "held" or bounded within limits.