content

noun (1)

con·tent | \ ˈkän-ˌtent

\

Definition of content

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a : something contained —usually used in plural the jar's contentsthe drawer's contents

b : the topics or matter treated in a written work table of contents

c : the principal substance (such as written matter, illustrations, or music) offered by a website … Internet users have evolved an ethos of free content in the Internet.— Ben Gerson

2a : substance, gist

b : meaning, significance

c : the events, physical detail, and information in a work of art — compare form sense 10c The film was rated R for its violent content.

3a : the matter dealt with in a field of study … the content of sociology is inexhaustible …— Franklin H. Giddings

b : a part, element, or complex of parts

4 : the amount of specified material contained : proportion the sulfur content in coal

content

adjective

con·tent | \ kən-ˈtent

\

Definition of content (Entry 2 of 4)

: contented, satisfied She was content with her life as it was.

content

verb

con·tent | \ kən-ˈtent

\

contented; contenting; contents

Definition of content (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to appease the desires of … he had been betrayed into a position which neither contented his heart nor satisfied his conscience.— Edward Bulwer-Lytton

2 : to limit (oneself) in requirements, desires, or actions The rainy weather spoiled our plans for the beach, so we had to content ourselves with a relaxing day at home.

content

noun (2)

con·tent | \ kən-ˈtent

\

Definition of content (Entry 4 of 4)

: contentment He ate to his heart's content.

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about content

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Examples of content in a Sentence

Adjective

The baby looks content in her crib. A fancy hotel is not necessary; I'd be content with a warm meal and a clean place to sleep. No, I don't want to play. I'm content to watch. Not content to stay at home, she set off to see the world at the age of 16. Polls show that voters are growing less and less content with the current administration.

Verb

The toys contented the children, at least for a little while. a person easily contented by life's simple pleasures

First Known Use of content

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1579, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for content

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Latin contentus, past participle of continēre to contain

Adjective, Verb, and Noun (2)

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin contentus, from past participle of continēre to hold in, contain — more at contain

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Dictionary Entries near content

content analysis

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Time Traveler for content

The first known use of content was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for content

content

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of content

(Entry 1 of 2)

: pleased and satisfied : not needing more

content

verb

English Language Learners Definition of content (Entry 2 of 2)

formal : to make (someone) pleased and satisfied : to make (someone) content

See the full definition for content in the English Language Learners Dictionary

content

noun

con·tent | \ ˈkän-ˌtent

\

Kids Definition of content

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : the things that are within —usually used in pl. the contents of a room

2 : the subject or topic treated (as in a book) —usually used in pl. a table of contents

3 : the important part or meaning (as of a book) Do you understand the content of the paragraph?

4 : a certain amount The soup has a high content of salt.

content

adjective

con·tent | \ kən-ˈtent

\

Kids Definition of content (Entry 2 of 4)

: pleased and satisfied

content

verb

contented; contenting

Kids Definition of content (Entry 3 of 4)

: to make pleased : satisfy He contented himself with a seat beside the fire.

content

noun

Kids Definition of content (Entry 4 of 4)

: freedom from care or discomfort She fell asleep in complete content.

content

noun

con·tent | \ ˈkän-ˌtent

\

Medical Definition of content

1 : something contained —usually used in plural the stomach contents

2 : the subject matter or symbolic significance of something — see latent content, manifest content

3 : the amount of specified material contained the sulfur content of a sample

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obsequious

marked by fawning attentiveness

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