self-contained
self-kun-TAYND
/ˌsɛlf kənˈteɪnd/
Complete in oneself; independent and quiet, needing no external help or emotional validation.
Positive or neutral trait describing emotional independence and quiet inner stability.
The story behind the word. Combines Old English self with Latin continere ('to hold together'). A self-contained person literally holds all their emotional needs, resources, and thoughts together inside themselves.
Word relationships
- self-sufficient: Emphasizes practical independence like growing food or earning money.
- independent: Broader term for freedom from control.
- needy: Requiring continuous attention, validation, and support from others.
- dependent: Relying on external aid for stability.
Commonly confused with
- aloof: Aloof implies standing coldly apart from others, while self-contained simply means having a complete, calm inner life.
Word family
- self-containment (noun): The state of being self-sufficient or emotionally quiet.
Collocations
- self-contained personality
- self-contained unit
- remarkably self-contained
- quietly self-contained
Idioms & expressions
- a world unto oneself
- standing on one's own two feet
Example sentences
- "She is a remarkably self-contained individual who processes stress quietly without needing constant reassurance." Personal strength
- "The cabin was completely self-contained, equipped with solar panels and a private water filtration system." Describing an apartment or system
Memory hook
SELF-CONTAINED = A sealed CONTAINER that holds everything it needs inside. Everything needed is held inside.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'selfish'; self-contained implies balance and self-sufficiency, not greed.
Fun facts
- In architecture, a 'self-contained flat' is an apartment with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance, completely independent of other units.
Related words
Explore more words
self-sufficient, self-reliant, solitude, seclusion, serene, tranquil
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