contents
Definition
Noun (plural form: contents) 1. The things that are inside a container, room, or other space. * The contents of the box were a complete surprise. * She emptied the contents of her purse onto the table. 2. The ideas, information, or subject matter contained within a piece of writing, speech, or media. * The contents of the letter were deeply personal. * I found the contents of the documentary to be very educational. 3. A list of the chapters or sections in a book, document, or other publication, usually with the page numbers where they begin. * Check the table of contents to find the relevant chapter. * The report's contents page is missing.
Usage Notes
- The word "contents" is almost always used in the plural form for all three main definitions.
- When referring to the list of chapters (definition 3), it is often part of the phrase "table of contents."
- The singular form "content" (without 's') is used for abstract concepts like the overall substance, meaning, or amount of something (e.g., "the of the speech," "the fat of milk").
Examples
- (Definition 1) The firefighter rescued the family but the of the house were destroyed.
- (Definition 2) The politician refused to reveal the of the confidential briefing.
- (Definition 3) Please refer to the at the front of the manual for troubleshooting steps.
Advanced Usage
- "To one's heart's content": This is an idiomatic phrase meaning to do something as much as one wants.
- At the buffet, you can eat to your heart's content.
Variants and Related Words
- Content (noun, uncountable): The substance or material dealt with in a speech, literary work, etc., as distinct from its form or style. Also, the amount of a particular constituent.
- The film was praised for its artistic style, though the violent content was criticized.
- This yogurt has a high protein content.
- Content (adjective): In a state of peaceful happiness or satisfaction.
- He was content with his simple life.
Synonyms
- For definitions 1 & 2: items, elements, ingredients, constituents, load, cargo (for containers).
- For definition 2: subject matter, substance, themes, topics, gist.
- For definition 3: index, list of chapters, syllabus (for a course).
Related Phrases
- Table of contents: The structured list for definition 3.
- The table of contents made it easy to navigate the textbook.
Noun
-
a list of divisions (chapters or articles) and the pages on which they start
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
Từ chứa "contents"
