content Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
    • he emptied the contents of his pockets
    • the two groups were similar in content
  2. noun what a communication that is about something is about
    message; substance; subject matter.
  3. noun the proportion of a substance that is contained in a mixture or alloy etc.
  4. noun the amount that can be contained
    capacity.
    • the gas tank has a capacity of 12 gallons
  5. noun the sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned
    cognitive content; mental object.
  6. noun the state of being contented with your situation in life
    contentedness.
    • he relaxed in sleepy contentedness
    • they could read to their heart's content
  7. noun something (a person or object or scene) selected by an artist or photographer for graphic representation
    depicted object; subject.
    • a moving picture of a train is more dramatic than a still picture of the same subject
  8. verb satisfy in a limited way
    • He contented himself with one glass of beer per day
  9. verb make content
    • I am contented
  10. adjective satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are
    contented.
    • a contented smile

WordNet

Con*tent adjective
Etymology
F. content, fr. L. contentus, p.p. of contenire to hold together, restrain. See Contain.
Definitions
  1. Contained within limits; hence, having the desires limited by that which one has; not disposed to repine or grumble; satisfied; contented; at rest.
    Having food rainment, let us be therewith content. 1 Tim. vi. 8.
Con"tent noun
Wordforms
plural Contents
Definitions
  1. That which is contained; the thing or things held by a receptacle or included within specified limits; as, the contents of a cask or bale or of a room; the contents of a book.
    I shall prove these writings . . . authentic, and the contents true, and worthy of a divine original. Grew.
  2. Power of containing; capacity; extent; size. Obs.
    Strong ship's, of great content. Bacon.
  3. (Geom.) Area or quantity of space or matter contained within certain limits; as, solid contents; superficial contents.
    The geometrical content, figure, and situation of all the lands of a kingdom. Graunt.
Con*tent" transitive verb
Etymology
F. contenter, LL. contentare, fr. L. contentus, p.p. See Content, a.
Definitions
  1. To satisfy the desires of; to make easy in any situation; to appease or quiet; to gratify; to please.
    Do not content yourselves with obscure and confused ideas, where clearer are to be attained. I. Watts.
    Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them. Mark xv. 15.
  2. To satisfy the expectations of; to pay; to requite.
    Come the next Sabbath, and I will content you. Shak.
    Syn. -- To satisfy; appease; plese. See Satiate.
Con*tent" noun
Definitions
  1. Rest or quietness of the mind in one's present condition; freedom from discontent; satisfaction; contentment; moderate happiness.
    Such is the fullness of my heart's content. Shak.
  2. Acquiescence without examination. Obs.
    The sense they humbly take upon content. Pope.
  3. That which contents or satisfies; that which if attained would make one happy.
    So will I in England work your grace's full content. Shak.
  4. (Eng. House of Lords) An expression of assent to a bill or motion; an affirmate vote; also, a member who votes "Content.".
    Supposing the number of "Contents" and "Not contents" strictly equal in number and consequence. Burke.

Webster 1913