Definitions
- Describing the essential parts or components that make up something. - Referring to the composition or makeup of a substance or material. - Talking about the inherent qualities or characteristics of a person or thing.
- Referring to the physical space or capacity to hold something within it. - Describing the presence or inclusion of something within a larger entity. - Talking about the control or management of something within certain limits.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to the presence of something within a larger entity.
- 2Both words can be used to describe the composition or makeup of something.
- 3Both words are verbs that describe the relationship between two entities.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Consist is typically used to describe the essential parts or components that make up something, while contain is used to describe the physical space or capacity to hold something within it.
- 2Focus: Consist emphasizes the inherent qualities or characteristics of a person or thing, while contain emphasizes the presence or inclusion of something within a larger entity.
- 3Structure: Consist is often used with the preposition 'of', while contain is often used with the preposition 'in' or 'within'.
- 4Formality: Consist is more formal than contain, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 5Connotation: Consist has a neutral or positive connotation, while contain can have a negative connotation when used to describe limitations or restrictions.
Remember this!
Consist and contain are synonyms that describe the presence of something within a larger entity. However, consist emphasizes the essential parts or components that make up something, while contain emphasizes the physical space or capacity to hold something within it. Additionally, consist is more formal and neutral in connotation, while contain is more commonly used in everyday language and can have a negative connotation in certain contexts.
