Contented
What it means
Enjoying a settled, gentle satisfaction with one's situation.
Reach for it when describing quiet happiness that feels more sustained than a passing mood
The contented dog stretched in the sun after its morning walk.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| literary |
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playful
happy as a clam
Fits when an openly cozy idiom fits the voice
Careful The cliché is too comic for dignified or precise description.
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everyday
Fits when peaceful satisfaction in the present moment is enough
Careful Content is often more temporary and less descriptive of an ongoing disposition.
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everyday
Fits when a particular event has caused mild happiness
Careful Pleased is reactive and brief, not a settled state.
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professional
Fits when life or work feels meaningful and complete
Careful Fulfilled reaches beyond the modest everyday pleasure of contentment.
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professional
Fits when requirements or desires have been adequately met
Careful Satisfied may evaluate a result without conveying any warmth.
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literary
Fits when undisturbed calm is the foremost quality
Careful Serenity does not imply that wants have been met.
Opposites 3
- discontented
- dissatisfied
- miserable
Common phrases 3
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contented smile
A contented smile appeared as the last guest arrived safely.
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feel contented
He began to feel contented after an unhurried day in the workshop.
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contented life
They built a contented life around neighbors, books, and a small garden.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Flame, not lame, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated