in contentment

USAGE SUMMARY

"in contentment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to somebody feeling satisfied and relaxed with their current situation. Example sentence: "We watched the sunset together in contentment, grateful for the moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The camels there were two curled their lips in contentment.

The New Yorker

A small group of mares graze in contentment next to the fence.

The New York Times

She works in metal and in stone, and also in marble, as in "Contentment," pictured here.

The New York Times - Magazine

A growing body of research suggests that spending money on real estate doesn't necessarily mean investing in contentment.

The New York Times

But he apparently grew to live in contentment as the hospital's gravedigger and was described in 1965 as "a well-liked, hard-working, quite original old man".

The New York Times - Arts

The elect of the World Economic Forum seemed almost to glow in contentment, suffused by the huge prosperity of the New Economy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Eventually he returned to Prague and to his wife, with whom he lived in modest contentment until his death in 2000, aged 78.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead of acquiring more, it's about finding pleasures in life an contentment in life.' There's a lot of extra baggage tied up in the whole idea of building your own house.

The Guardian

With Coach Phil Jackson folding his arms in serene contentment, having won his seventh title in the last nine seasons, the Lakers won their first National Basketball Association championship under his guidance.

The New York Times - Sports

Mentoring may be a factor in improving contentment at work, as suggested by a review concerning 'authentic happiness' in dentists, as a result of mentoring within professional development programmes [ 29].

BMC Medical Education

A dog named Flossie looked on in perfect contentment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider if a more specific term like "at peace" or "fulfilled" might better convey the particular nuance you intend.

Common error

Avoid using "in contentment" when the situation calls for active engagement or improvement. Contentment can sometimes imply a lack of ambition or a passive acceptance of the status quo.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in contentment" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. It adds detail by specifying the feeling or condition associated with the action, for instance, "living in contentment". According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid for English writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in contentment" is a grammatically sound and valid expression used to describe a state of peaceful satisfaction. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Ludwig's analysis confirms its acceptability in English writing. When using the phrase, remember that it conveys a sense of quiet fulfillment and should not be confused with complacency. Consider related phrases like "at peace" or "feeling fulfilled" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a contented manner

Rephrases the query with a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing the way something is done.

at peace

Focuses more on the state of inner peace and tranquility, differing from the general satisfaction implied by the query.

in a peaceful state

Highlights calmness and serenity, potentially downplaying the aspect of satisfaction.

in a state of bliss

Highlights extreme happiness and joy, whereas the query focuses on a calmer satisfaction.

at ease

Emphasizes comfort and relaxation, slightly diverging from the satisfaction of the query.

in a state of gratification

Points to a sense of deep pleasure and satisfaction, which could come from a specific act rather than a general condition.

with satisfaction

Focuses on the feeling of satisfaction itself, instead of being in a state of contentment.

feeling fulfilled

Emphasizes a sense of purpose and completion, shifting the focus from simple satisfaction.

living in serenity

Focuses on a lifestyle of calmness and peace, broadening the scope beyond immediate satisfaction.

in a happy state

Describes a general state of happiness, being a more broader alternative than the query.

FAQs

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

You can use "in contentment" to describe someone experiencing a state of peaceful satisfaction, such as, "After years of travel, she settled down in the countryside and lived "at peace"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in contentment"?

Depending on the specific context, alternatives to "in contentment" include phrases like ""at peace"", "feeling fulfilled", or "in a state of bliss".

Is it better to say "in contentment" or "with contentment"?

"In contentment" typically refers to a state of being, whereas "with contentment" describes an action or feeling accompanied by satisfaction. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

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

"Contentment" implies a quiet satisfaction with what one has, while "happiness" is a broader and often more exuberant emotion. Contentment is often more lasting and less dependent on external circumstances.