Contain vs. Consist: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 3, 2023
Contain means to hold or include within a space or composition, while consist means to be made up of components or elements.
Key Differences
The concept of containment implies an entity holding or including something within its limits or boundaries. For example, a container can hold a liquid, or a list can contain items. Consist, however, is used to describe the composition of the entity itself, indicating what it is made up of without suggesting confinement. An item that consists of several materials is made up of those materials without implying they are held within.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Contain can also suggest control or restraint, implying that what is contained is kept within bounds and may otherwise expand or spread. In contrast, to consist does not carry this implication of control, but rather a statement of fact about the elements that form a whole. For instance, a zoo contains animals, potentially suggesting restraint, whereas a forest consists of trees, implying no such control.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
In the context of ingredients or components, contain emphasizes the inclusion of elements as part of a larger whole. A recipe might contain nuts, which implies that nuts are included among other ingredients. When we say a dish consists of certain ingredients, we are detailing what the entire dish is made up of, often without focusing on any one component.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
In scientific and technical writing, contain can imply a system that has capacity or features that include certain elements or variables. A database contains records; it is designed to hold this information. When we say a process consists of several steps, we're outlining the sequence that makes up the whole process without the connotation of enclosure or capacity.
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
Contain may also have an emotional connotation, as in containing one's emotions, which suggests keeping them within oneself and not letting them show. Consist lacks this emotional aspect and is used more objectively to describe the elements that make up an emotional experience or concept, such as "Happiness consists in appreciating the little things in life."
Sara Rehman
Nov 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Implication of Restraint
Implies control or restraint
Lacks implication of control
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Usage in Composition
Emphasizes inclusion within a larger whole
Details elements forming the entire whole
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Emotional Connotation
Can suggest keeping emotions controlled
Describes elements of a concept objectively
Sara Rehman
Nov 03, 2023
In Containers
Refers to what a container holds
Describes what a substance is made of
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
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Contain and Consist Definitions
Consist
To exist or have as an essential feature.
The beauty of the landscape consists in its simplicity.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Consist
To be based on or founded.
The agreement consists in mutual respect and understanding.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
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Consist
To be composed or made up of.
The dessert consists mainly of fruits and nuts.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Contain
To prevent the spread of something.
The firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Consist
To be inherent or characteristic.
True bravery consists in acting without fear of danger.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Consist
To be made up or composed
New York City consists of five boroughs. See Usage Note at include.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 09, 2023
FAQs
Does consist imply emotional restraint?
No, consist does not imply emotional restraint.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Can contain suggest a limit to quantity?
Yes, contain can suggest a limit to what can be held within a space.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Does contain imply physical boundaries?
Yes, contain often implies physical boundaries within which something is held.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Can both words be used interchangeably?
No, contain and consist are not interchangeable as they have different meanings.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Does consist indicate quantity?
No, consist indicates what makes up the entity, not the quantity.
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
Can consist be used to describe physical composition?
Yes, consist describes the physical composition of something.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Is contain used in the context of emotions?
Yes, contain can be used to describe controlling or restraining emotions.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Does contain have a synonym?
Yes, synonyms for contain include hold, enclose, and include.
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
Does contain imply control over what’s inside?
Yes, contain can imply control over the contents.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Can a diet consist of certain foods?
Yes, a diet can consist of certain foods, indicating its composition.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Is contain used when listing ingredients in a recipe?
Yes, when highlighting specific ingredients, a recipe can say it contains them.
Harlon Moss
Nov 03, 2023
Can consist be used to describe the outcome of a process?
Yes, the outcome of a process can consist of various results.
Harlon Moss
Nov 03, 2023
Can a box consist of cardboard?
Yes, a box can consist of cardboard, meaning it's made up of cardboard.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Would consist be used for an entire recipe?
Yes, to describe the full makeup of a recipe, you'd say it consists of certain ingredients.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 03, 2023
Can a movie contain or consist of certain themes?
A movie can contain themes as elements within it, while its character might consist of those themes.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Is contain more active than consist?
Contain can be seen as more active because it suggests the act of holding or including.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Is consist passive in nature?
Yes, consist is more descriptive and passive, not suggesting an action.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Does a playlist contain or consist of songs?
A playlist contains songs as a part of its compilation.
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
Does contain imply a mixture?
Contain does not necessarily imply a mixture but does imply inclusion.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
