contenere

contenere is a Latin verb meaning to contain, hold together, or restrain. It covers both literal containment—holding something within a boundary or container—and figurative restraint, such as keeping passions, impulses, or speech within limits. In classical usage it often denotes bringing things under a bound or within a system, whether physical, moral, or social.

Etymology and relation to other forms: the word is built from the prefix con- (together) and tenēre (to hold). It is closely related to continere, and in Latin texts the two verbs appear with overlapping meaning and nuance. The participle contentus, formed from the same root, yields English forms such as contented or contained, reflecting the sense of being held within boundaries.

Grammar and usage notes: contenere is typically transitive, taking a direct object to name what is held or contained. It can be used with phrases that specify the bounds within which something is kept, such as a place, period, or set of rules. In addition to physical enclosure, the verb frequently appears in moral or administrative contexts, for example describing restraints on behavior, speech, or power. The meaning can shift subtly based on context, but the core idea remains the act of holding together or keeping within limits.

See also: continere, contentus, contentum.