Contentment

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /kənˈtɛntmənt/

Definitions

1. A feeling of deep satisfaction and happiness with one's life situation that reflects a sense of fulfillment and acceptance of the present moment
2. A mental state characterized by a sense of happiness and peace that arises from being satisfied with what one has and not desiring additional possessions or achievements
3. A feeling of peaceful happiness and fulfillment that comes from accepting and appreciating one’s current life

Etymology: The word is a straightforward formation: "content" with the suffix "-ment" attached. The adjective "content" (satisfied, at ease) comes from Latin "contentus," the past participle of "continere," meaning "to hold together" or "to contain." That Latin sense of holding something within limits is what makes the English notion of being satisfied with what one has feel like a natural extension: a contented person is one whose desires are held within bounds. The noun came to English through Middle French "contentement," which itself contains the same "content" stem plus the French suffix "-ement," the equivalent of English "-ment." English took the French form and attached its own suffix pattern, a process that made many abstract nouns from verbs and adjectives, such as "amazement" or "enjoyment." The result is a word built from familiar parts, with the meaning of the base adjective carried over into a state or condition.

Synonyms: satisfaction, happiness, pleasure, gratification, fulfillment

Antonyms: discontent, dissatisfaction, unhappiness, agitation, restlessness