State of contentment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "State of contentment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or feeling of satisfaction and happiness. Example: "After years of hard work, she finally reached a state of contentment in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Maybe happiness is more a state of contentment, with peaks and troughs.

The Guardian - Books

And it feeds you so well, in such an unforced way, that you slip into a state of contentment that's pure.

The New York Times - Food

Mr. Bardem's character, Santo, is a good-natured, life-loving drifter whose natural state of contentment slowly gives way to anger.

The New York Times

"The Pale King" had once referred to the I.R.S., or possibly to the state of contentment and focus the book advocated; but now, as he wrote in a notebook, it was a synonym for the depression that tormented him.

The New Yorker

"Luke Donald Disease," the headline said, with an article that described a state of contentment among certain players, principally Donald, with finishing in the top 10 and living as "wealthy complacent fat cats".

The New York Times - Sports

Bigger than Britain, and thus considerably less crowded, its farms well tended and its towns finely preserved, the France you see flashing past the train window conveys a state of contentment very little reflected in the country's current political discourse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But if it is perfectly paced, it can still keep an audience in a state of tickled contentment.

The New York Times

So it was in a state of raging contentment that McIlroy pitched up at the HSBC Golf Championship for his first engagement of 2014.

Independent

On the rare days when I've written 1,000 words I enter a state of profound contentment which I rarely feel at any other time.

The Guardian - Books

The country must be in a state of prosperous contentment, in wondrous admiration of the philosopher-kings who were elected in 1997, and whose innovative ideas have so transformed politics and policy.

The Economist

Mljet's capacity to lull visitors into a state of idle contentment is nothing new.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state of contentment" to describe a lasting feeling of satisfaction, not just a fleeting moment of happiness. It suggests a deeper, more enduring sense of well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "state of contentment" when you mean a passive or unmotivated acceptance of the status quo. Contentment should not imply a lack of ambition or drive for improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of contentment" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it describing a condition or experience of satisfaction and well-being. It often serves as the object of a verb or the complement of a linking verb.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "state of contentment" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes a condition or feeling of satisfaction and happiness, often implying a lasting sense of well-being. While "state of contentment" is not extremely common, with Ludwig identifying it as "uncommon", it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is used to describe emotional states. It is versatile enough for neutral contexts but should not be confused with complacency. Consider alternatives like "feeling of fulfillment" or "sense of peace" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of satisfaction

Highlights the gratification derived from circumstances or achievements.

feeling of fulfillment

Focuses on the sense of having achieved something satisfying.

state of peace of mind

Highlights a mental condition free from worry or stress.

inner peace

Emphasizes an internal sense of calmness and serenity.

sense of peace

Highlights the tranquility and lack of disturbance.

sense of well-being

Focuses on overall health and happiness.

feeling of being at peace

Emphasizes a personal sense of tranquility and acceptance.

feeling of serenity

Emphasizes calmness and peacefulness.

condition of tranquility

Highlights a calm and peaceful state.

sense of ease

Focuses on a feeling of comfort and relaxation.

FAQs

How can I use "state of contentment" in a sentence?

You can use "state of contentment" to describe someone who has achieved a lasting sense of peace and satisfaction. For example: "After years of travel, she found a "state of contentment" in her small village."

What is a good alternative to "state of contentment"?

Alternatives include "feeling of fulfillment", "sense of peace", or "inner peace", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a state of contentment" or simply "state of contentment"?

Both are grammatically correct. Using "a" emphasizes that it is one particular state or condition, whereas omitting "a" can refer to the general concept. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "state of contentment" and happiness?

"State of contentment" implies a deeper, more lasting sense of peace and satisfaction, while happiness often refers to more fleeting or circumstantial joy. Contentment is about finding peace within oneself, whereas happiness can depend on external factors.