contentment

/kənˈtɛntmənt/
nounIntermediate
formal

A state of peaceful happiness and satisfaction with one's current situation, often without the need for external validation or material gain.

After years of hard work, she finally found contentment in her simple life by the sea.

Despite his wealth, he never found true contentment in his career.

💡

Contentment is often contrasted with greed or dissatisfaction. It emphasizes inner peace rather than external achievements.

Collocations

find contentmentto achieve a state of satisfactioninner contentmenta deep sense of peace within oneselfcontentment with lifesatisfaction with one's overall circumstances

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

contentment is wealthproverb
True happiness comes from inner peace, not material possessions.

💡Pro Tip

Distinguishing Contentment from Happiness

While happiness is often tied to external events, contentment is a deeper, more stable state of satisfaction that persists regardless of circumstances.

Gold Rule

Contentment vs. Complacency

Contentment is a positive state of acceptance and peace, whereas complacency implies a lack of ambition or effort.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'contentment,' from Old French 'contentement,' from 'contenter' (to satisfy) + '-ment' (suffix denoting action or state).

📝Usage Notes

Contentment is often used in philosophical, spiritual, or psychological contexts to describe a stable, enduring sense of well-being.

Word Breakdown

content
satisfied or pleased
root
+
-ment
the state of
suffix
English Dictionary