expression of contentment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expression of contentment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a feeling or display of satisfaction or happiness. Example: "Her smile was a clear expression of contentment after receiving the good news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. O'Hare — provocateur, angry man, tearer of spines from bodies — has his eyes closed in an expression of contentment like that of well-fed kitten.

The New York Times

"If you take Brexit vote as a faithful reflection of the mood of people, it is not an expression of contentment and satisfaction with a full employment, 'I'm doing well, I'm getting ahead', workforce.

The Guardian - Business

In the meantime, Ms. Richardson and Ms. Weigert inhabit Thomas Lynch's stylishly shabby, book-lined set with enough allure to justify the startled expression of contentment that keeps stealing over Mr. Culkin's face.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In corporate circles, Mr. Weiss's guilty plea drew expressions of contentment.

The New York Times

They would have been scanning his every public utterance for hints of dissatisfaction or restlessness and finding only tributes to the club and plausible expressions of contentment.

The Guardian - Sport

Equally predictably, the colourful Poulter could not resist, amid expressions of contentment over his highly satisfactory score, taking a post-round dig at the championship organiser, the United States Golf Association.

The Guardian - Sport

We're finally open!") and the somewhat disproportionate expressions of contentment on the face of patrons — not to mention investors — when the Munson finally reopened to big crowds last week, a lesson in comfort food, diner lore and other themes that could have been explored had anyone been nuts enough to greenlight the reality show.

The New York Times

And Bryant, the fabulously talented star with a penchant for drama, wore an expression of pure contentment.

The New York Times - Sports

Its bewhiskered face bore an expression of pure contentment, like an elderly member of a gentlemen's club sleeping off a good lunch.

The Guardian

With thinning gray-brown hair, sensible rubber-soled loafers, and an expression of surprised contentment, he looked, at fifty-eight, like the happy customer in an insurance commercial.

The New Yorker

Half Danish, half Icelandic, he is not given to expressions of simple contentment, not with a stranger anyway.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using this phrase. It fits well in literary descriptions, news reports, and personal narratives where conveying emotion is important.

Common error

Avoid using "expression of contentment" in contexts that require a more neutral or objective tone. Overusing emotional descriptions can make writing seem biased or less credible. Consider more factual alternatives if objectivity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression of contentment" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows that it describes a visible or communicated feeling of satisfaction or happiness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expression of contentment" is a grammatically correct and semantically valid phrase used to describe an outward sign of happiness or satisfaction. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, most commonly appearing in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While not overly common, the phrase is well-understood and can effectively convey a sense of peace or fulfillment. To enhance your writing, consider synonyms such as "display of satisfaction" or "sign of happiness" for variety, but avoid overuse in contexts requiring strict neutrality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display of satisfaction

Replaces "expression" with "display", focusing on the outward manifestation of satisfaction.

sign of happiness

Uses "sign" instead of "expression", indicating that contentment is being signaled.

air of fulfillment

Emphasizes a sense of completion and satisfaction through "air of fulfillment".

manifestation of joy

Indicates a strong, visible display of happiness, more intense than simple contentment.

sense of gratification

Highlights the feeling of being pleased or satisfied.

feeling of well-being

Focuses on overall positive state and comfort.

state of peacefulness

Emphasizes a calm, tranquil satisfaction.

look of serenity

Replaces "expression" with "look", suggesting a visual appearance of calm contentment.

feeling of being at peace

Indicates an internal sense of tranquility and satisfaction.

mood of tranquil satisfaction

Suggests a gentle, calm and agreeable mood.

FAQs

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

You can use "expression of contentment" to describe someone's facial expression or general demeanor that shows they are happy and satisfied. For instance, "His face wore an expression of contentment after the successful completion of the project".

What are some synonyms for "expression of contentment"?

Some synonyms for "expression of contentment" include "display of satisfaction", "sign of happiness", or "air of fulfillment". These can be used to add variety to your writing.

Is it better to say "expression of contentment" or "feeling of contentment"?

"Expression of contentment" refers to an outward display, while "feeling of contentment" refers to an internal state. Use "expression of contentment" when describing someone's visible emotions. Use "feeling of contentment" when describing an internal emotional state.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "expression of contentment"?

It's appropriate when you want to describe a visible display of happiness or satisfaction. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles.