Contain synonym,synonyms of contain

Hold

• Similarities
  • Both “contain” and “hold” can express the idea of having something inside a space or receptacle. For example, a box can contain/hold various items. A jar can contain/hold jam or pickles. In this sense, they both describe the relationship between a container and its contents.
  • They can also be used in a more abstract sense. For instance, a theory can contain/hold certain ideas or principles.
• Differences
  • “Hold” often emphasizes the ability to keep or support something within a particular space. It can imply a sense of capacity or the act of physically supporting the contents. For example, “The bridge can hold a certain amount of weight.”
  • “Contain” is more about the enclosure or confinement of something. It focuses on the idea that the contents are within the boundaries of the container. For example, “The capsule contains medicine.”

Enclose

• Similarities
  • “Enclose” and “contain” both involve the idea of surrounding or putting something within boundaries. When you enclose a letter in an envelope, the envelope contains the letter. A fence can enclose/contain an area, keeping things inside.
• Differences
  • “Enclose” often implies a more deliberate act of creating a boundary or covering to keep something in or separate it from the outside. It's often used in the context of creating a specific enclosure, like enclosing a garden with a wall.
  • “Contain” is more general and can refer to any situation where something is inside something else, without necessarily emphasizing the act of creating the enclosure.

Comprise

• Similarities
  • In some contexts, “comprise” and “contain” can both refer to what makes up a whole. For example, a set can contain/comprise several elements. A book can contain/comprise different chapters.
• Differences
  • “Comprise” is more commonly used to describe the relationship between a whole and its parts in a more abstract or conceptual sense. We say that a team comprises players, emphasizing the composition of the team.
  • “Contain” is more about the physical or tangible aspect of having things inside. A box contains objects, while a collection might comprise various items in a more abstract sense.

Include

• Similarities
  • “Include” and “contain” both suggest that something is part of a larger whole. A list can contain/include certain items. A package can contain/include different products.
• Differences
  • “Include” has a broader and more general usage. It can imply that something is part of a group or set without emphasizing the physical containment. For example, “The tour includes a visit to the museum.”
  • “Contain” is more focused on the idea of having things physically inside a container or within a specific space. “Include” is more about membership in a group or being part of a broader category.

Hold within

• Similarities
  • “Hold within” and “contain” are very similar in meaning. They both convey the idea of having something inside a particular entity. For example, a building can hold within/contain many rooms. A computer can hold within/contain a lot of data.
• Differences
  • “Hold within” is a more emphatic or detailed way of expressing the idea of containment. It might be used to emphasize the internal space or capacity of something.
  • “Contain” is a more commonly used and straightforward term. “Hold within” can sometimes add a sense of depth or a more specific focus on what is inside the object or space.