How to pronounce contain
Say it like kun-TAYN. Contain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contain. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- TAYN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of contain
American and British speakers say contain in essentially the same way: /kənˈteɪn/ in the US and /kənˈteɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-TAYN.
What does contain mean?
- include or contain; have as a component“A totally new idea is comprised in this paper”“The record contains many old songs from the 1930's”
- contain or hold; have within“The jar carries wine”“The canteen holds fresh water”
- lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits“moderate your alcohol intake”“hold your tongue”
Where does contain come from?
From Middle English conteinen, borrowed from Old French contenir, from Latin continēre (“to hold or keep together, comprise, contain”), combined form of con- (“together”) + teneō (“to hold”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with contain
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of contain.
Questions about saying contain
How do you pronounce contain?
Say kun-TAYN. The American pronunciation is /kənˈteɪn/. In British English it is /kənˈteɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contain?
Contain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAYN). Broken into parts: kun · TAYN.
Do Americans and Brits say contain the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈteɪn/ and the British form is /kənˈteɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.