contento

/konˈtɛnto/

adjective

Origin

Latin

contentus — satisfied; held together

Overview

Meaning Now

Feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation; happy or pleased.
Contained or restrained within limits (archaic or literary use).

Literal older meaning

held together

Language path

Latin → Italian/Spanish

Earliest form

contentus

Earliest period

13th century

Journey

The word derives from the Latin 'continere', meaning to hold together or contain. In a psychological sense, it refers to a person who is 'contained' within their desires, not feeling the need to reach for more, hence being satisfied or happy.

Evolution

Classical Latin
contentus
“contained, satisfied”
Past participle of continere
Late Latin
contentus
“pleased, happy”
Old Italian/Spanish
contento
“satisfied, glad”

Connections

Word parts

con-

prefix

together

-tent-

root

to hold (from tenere)

-o

ending

masculine singular adjective marker

Related across languages

French
content
happy, content
English
content
satisfied
Spanish
contento
happy, pleased