Words / B2

KONT-ent/ˈkɒntent/

Content as a noun (/ˈkɒntent/) is the ideas or information in a book, film, or course: the content of the lesson, table of contents (the list at the front). Material and subject matter are close; stuff is informal. The adjective content (/kənˈtent/) means satisfied — a different word in stress and meaning. In speech, what is in it is enough for the noun. Do not mix the pair: you can be content with the content, but they are not the same word.

Meaning

The ideas or information in a book, film, or course (the contents). The adjective content /kənˈtent/ means satisfied.

Examples

• “The content of the lesson was clear.”
• “The content of the module was clear; the contents page was not.”
• “She was content with a pass; that adjective is not the course material.”

Good to know

Noun (stress on first syllable): what is inside a text/course. contents = list or things inside. Adjective content (stress on second) = satisfied. Keep them apart.

Near in meaning

material

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