Definitions
- Describing the act of holding or enclosing something within a defined space. - Referring to the ability to control or limit something within certain boundaries. - Talking about the presence or existence of something within a larger entity.
- Referring to the act of holding back or preventing someone or something from doing something. - Describing the use of physical force or restraints to control or limit someone's actions. - Talking about the ability to control one's emotions or impulses.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve some form of control or limitation.
- 2Both words can be used in a physical or metaphorical sense.
- 3Both words can be used to describe the containment or control of something or someone.
What is the difference?
- 1Action: Contain refers to the act of holding or enclosing something, while restrain refers to the act of holding back or preventing someone or something from doing something.
- 2Intensity: Restrain implies a stronger level of control or limitation than contain.
- 3Focus: Contain focuses on the object being held or enclosed, while restrain focuses on the action of holding back or preventing.
- 4Usage: Contain is more commonly used in everyday language, while restrain is more formal and often used in legal or medical contexts.
- 5Connotation: Contain has a neutral connotation, while restrain can have negative connotations of force or coercion.
Remember this!
Contain and restrain are both verbs that involve some form of control or limitation. However, contain refers to the act of holding or enclosing something within a defined space or limiting something within certain boundaries, while restrain refers to the act of holding back or preventing someone or something from doing something. Additionally, restrain implies a stronger level of control or limitation than contain and is often used in more formal or legal contexts.