contain

Syllables:
con·tain
2 syllables
contain in syllables

About "contain"

Syllables
2
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "contain" into Syllables

The word contain is divided into 2 syllables: con·tain. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • con — 1st syllable
  • tain — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of contain:

  • IPA: /kənˈteɪn/

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📖 Definitions

  1. contain (third-person singular simple present contains, present participle containing, simple past and past participle contained)
  2. This is generally a stative verb that rarely takes the continuous inflection. See Category:English stative verbs

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English, borrowed from Old French contenir, from Latin continēre (“to hold or keep together, comprise, contain”), combined form of con- (“together”) + teneō (“to hold”).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down contain into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare contain with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
contain 2 con·tain
commotion 3 com-mo-tion
commutation 4 com-mu-ta-tion
contemn 2 con-temn
continuum 3 con-ti-nuum

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to contain:

con, cone, Cong, conj, conk, Conn, cons, cont.

Frequently Asked Questions About "contain"

How many syllables does "contain" have?

contain has 2 syllables: con·tain. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "contain"?

The stress is on the first syllable: con. This means you emphasize the "con" part when pronouncing contain.

How do you pronounce "contain"?

contain is pronounced as /kənˈteɪn/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: con·tain.

Is "contain" easy to spell?

Breaking contain into syllables helps with spelling: con·tain. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "contain" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.