contented

USAGE SUMMARY

"contented" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of feeling satisfied and content. For example: After years of hard work, he was contented with the successful results of his efforts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Give me a blanket, a standard lamp, a boiling kettle and about three square feet of floorspace and I'll hand you back a baby that's as docile and contented as a wagyu cow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm contented.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But they were derided as dangerous mavericks, and Mrs Thatcher, for her part, contented herself with climbing the greasy pole.

The Economist

So Mitt Romney's great-grandfather had four wives, but Mitt himself is the only serious Republican presidential candidate this year to have contented himself with just one.Polygamy has not vanished from Utah, however.

The Economist

But because the purse-strings in Rome have been tightened, it can no longer depend on a large and cosseted public sector to keep its people contented.

The Economist

And unemployment, inequality and even envy (of the unbottled sort) are all higher than the norm.In this section Budget surfeiting Bad days for piggybanks Near the buffers In Houdini's footsteps Witnesses to a death A contented moo The sewage war New York's splintering left ReprintsFertile ground, you might think.

The Economist

But by midweek Mr Clinton showed no signs of heeding this advice, apparently determined to cling to his denials and escape anyway.In this section Budget surfeiting Bad days for piggybanks Near the buffers In Houdini's footsteps Witnesses to a death A contented moo The sewage war New York's splintering left ReprintsDenial has worked until now; but it is coming to seem reckless.

The Economist

But the people who run the business seem far from contented.

The Economist

Google contented itself with saying it was "one step closer" to breaking the language barrier.

The Economist

In Strasbourg before the NATO meeting, he stood beside a contented Mr Sarkozy in the courtyard of an 18th-century palace and called France America's "oldest ally, our first ally".

The Economist

For most of modern times, they have been contented bedmates.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contented" to describe a lasting state of satisfaction, not just a fleeting moment of happiness. It implies a deep sense of peace and fulfillment.

Common error

Don't use "contented" interchangeably with "happy". "Contented" implies a deeper, more stable satisfaction, while "happy" can refer to a temporary emotional state.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contented" is as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe a state of satisfaction or happiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correctly used to express a feeling of being satisfied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contented" is a versatile adjective used to express a lasting state of satisfaction and peace. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable term in English, best suited for describing a deep sense of fulfillment rather than fleeting happiness. While common in news and media, it maintains a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, ensure "contented" is used to describe a stable state of satisfaction, distinct from temporary happiness. Consider alternatives like "satisfied with", "at peace", or "fulfilled" to fine-tune the specific emotion you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

satisfied with

A more direct and common way to express being happy with something specific.

pleased

Indicates a feeling of gratification or delight, often in response to something positive.

at peace

Focuses on inner tranquility and serenity as opposed to external satisfaction.

gratified

Highlights a feeling of deep satisfaction or thankfulness.

fulfilled

Emphasizes a sense of completeness and achievement rather than simple satisfaction.

happy

A general term for feeling positive emotions; less specific than "contented".

easy in one's mind

Describes a state of calmness and lack of worry, similar to inner peace.

taking pleasure in

Focuses on actively enjoying something, rather than a general state of contentment.

cheerful

Suggests a bright and positive mood, but doesn't necessarily imply deep satisfaction.

in good spirits

Implies a positive and lively mood, often temporary, unlike the lasting feeling of "contented".

FAQs

How can I use "contented" in a sentence?

You can use "contented" to describe someone who is satisfied with their life or a particular situation. For instance, "After years of hard work, she was finally "contented" with her achievements".

What are some alternatives to the word "contented"?

Alternatives to "contented" include "satisfied with", "at peace", or "fulfilled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "contented with" or "contented by"?

"Contented with" is the standard and correct usage. "Contented by" is less common and may sound unnatural to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "content" and "contented"?

"Content" can be a noun, adjective, or verb, referring to the subject matter of something or a state of satisfaction. "Contented" is strictly an adjective, meaning happy and satisfied. For example, "She was content with the content of the book, feeling "contented" after reading it".