content
UK[kənˈtɛnt]US[ˈkɒn.tɛnt]
adj
In a state of peaceful happiness or satisfaction.
adj
Willing to accept something; assenting.
n
A state of satisfaction.
n
(usually contents) The things that are held or included in something.
n
The amount of a particular constituent occurring in a substance.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
tent
con
together, with, thoroughly
tent
to hold
Etymology
The word 'content' originates from the Latin verb 'continere', meaning 'to hold together, enclose, contain'. This verb is composed of the prefix 'con-' (together) and 'tenere' (to hold). The past participle form 'contentus' (having been contained, satisfied) gave rise to the adjective meaning 'satisfied', as one whose desires are 'held in' or restrained. The noun sense of 'that which is contained' developed directly from the idea of 'things held together within something'. Thus, the core concept of 'holding' bridges the modern meanings of internal substance and a state of satisfied restraint.
Analysis
Structure: con + tent
- con: Latin origin, a prefix meaning 'together, with, thoroughly'.
- tent: Latin origin, from the root of 'tenere' meaning 'to hold'.
Examples
He was content with his simple life.
The contents of the box spilled onto the floor.
The fat content of this milk is very low.