Content
/ˈkɒntent/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe things that are inside a container or included in something; the subject matter or meaning of a book, speech, program, etc.
/ˈkɒntent/
The things that are held or included in something.
The content of the email was confidential.
💡 Simply: Imagine a box filled with toys. The 'content' of the box is all the toys inside! Or, the 'content' of a story is what the story is about.
👶 For kids: What's *inside* something, like what's in a book or a box.
More Examples
The students were asked to summarize the content of the chapter.
We are working on developing engaging content for our social media channels.
How It's Used
"The content of the book was highly informative."
"We are constantly updating our website's content."
Feeling or expressing happiness or satisfaction.
/kənˈtent/
In a state of peaceful happiness.
He was content to stay at home and read.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're perfectly happy with how things are, like when you have your favorite snack and are relaxing. That feeling is being 'content'.
👶 For kids: Feeling happy and not wanting anything more.
More Examples
After a long walk in the park, the dog looked content.
She felt content with her new job and the challenges it brought.
How It's Used
"She felt content with her simple life."
"The cat looked content after a long nap."
To satisfy or make someone happy.
/kənˈtent/
To make someone or something happy or satisfied.
He contented himself with watching TV.
💡 Simply: When you're trying to make someone feel happy, or when you're happy with what you have, you are contenting them (or yourself).
👶 For kids: To make someone happy and not wanting anything more.
More Examples
She attempted to content the crowd with the information.
The company struggled to content its employees.
How It's Used
"He was contenting himself with a simple meal."
"She contented herself with the small gifts from her family."
Idioms & expressions
content management system (CMS)
A software application used to create and manage digital content.
"Many businesses use a CMS to manage their websites."
be content with
To be happy or satisfied with something, even if it is not perfect.
"She was content with her life, even though it wasn't always easy."
From Middle English *contente*, from Old French *content* (adjective), and *content* (noun), from Latin *contentus* (adjective), past participle of *continere* 'to hold together, contain'.
The word 'content' in its noun form, meaning the substance or subject matter, dates back to the 14th century. The adjective 'content' meaning satisfied appears in the late 14th century.
Memory tip
Think of what's inside the container or what a website or book is mostly about.