The word content means

1 : something contained —usually used in plural the stomach contents. 2 : the subject matter or symbolic significance of something — see latent content, manifest content. 3 : the amount of specified material contained the sulfur content of a sample.

What do we mean by content?

If you feel content, you’re satisfied and happy.The first has to do with being pleased and satisfied (feeling content) or making someone else feel happy and at peace with things (contenting them).

What is content example?

Content is defined as what is inside or included in something. An example of content is beans inside of a jar. An example of content is the words inside a book.

How do you use content in a sentence?

Content sentence example

1. I’m content to just move forward.
2. It will analyze and record the nutritional content of your meal.
3. Her stomach was content , and she hadn’t thrown up.
4. Arnie tripped, the content of his fist flying free over the boulders to the cliff’s edge.

What is content in social media?

The term social content was recently coined with the rise of social media and generally means anything that someone has posted or shared with others.Social media content models refer to the link between social media and content-sharing that occurs online on multiple social media platforms.

Who is a contented person?

If you are contented, you are satisfied with your life or the situation you are in. Whenever he returns to this place he is happy and contented. She was gazing at him with a soft, contented smile on her face. Synonyms: satisfied, happy, pleased, content More Synonyms of contented.

To be content, one detached from outward circumstances and (had) resources in oneself to meet every situation (Bible Knowledge Commentary). Oddly enough in Philippians, Paul used this not-so-Christian terminology to illustrate that Christians could be independent of circumstances if trusting in God’s resources.

What are the four types of content?

It’s important to note that the four content categories—attraction, authority, affinity, and action—are not mutually exclusive, and a single piece of content will often fit in multiple categories.

What are the three types of content?

There are three categories of content that are especially important to startups and small business owners:

• Passive content: Web copy, tag lines, or your slogan. Your online presence.
• Outbound content: E-mail campaigns, ad copy, or your sales script.
• Inbound content: Blog, social media, ebooks, or white papers.

What is the root word of content?

1400, literally “held or contained within limits,” hence “having the desire limited to present enjoyments,” from Old French content, “satisfied,” from Latin contentus “contained, satisfied,” past participle of continere “to hold together, enclose,” from assimilated form of com “with, together” (see con-) + tenere “to

What is the difference between context and content?

Content is the material/matter/medium contained within the work that’s available for audience. Context is the positioning of the content, storyline or purpose that provides value to the audience.

How do you use content as a noun?

Content as a singular noun is uncountable. It means the ideas that are contained in a piece of writing or a film or a speech: This film has adult content; it is not suitable for children. His speech was very flowery, but it lacked content and was quite superficial.

What does content mean in Instagram?

On the topic of using Instagram content other people created, it’s also a good idea to encourage your existing followers to create content around a specific topic that you can post to your feed. This kind of content is referred to as “UGC”, or user generated content.

Why is content so important?

The content you create communicates your message, educates your readers, and persuades them to purchase your products and services over your competition. In fact, providing high quality content is one of the most important things you can do to attract clients and create interest in your business.

What does social content mean?

Social content is unstructured data created, vetted, marked-up or delivered through a social process or channel and destined for human consumption.

How can I be content?

Here are a some tips for cultivating contentment in your life:

1. Pause. When you find yourself unhappy with someone or something, pause.
2. Stop buying stuff you don’t need.
3. Show people you appreciate them.
4. Practice gratitude.
5. Learn to enjoy simple things that don’t cost money.
6. Live in the moment.
7. You May Also Like:

Is being content good or bad?

Contentment is especially helpful in situations in which there is no way to improve things. It is also helpful when one is focused on positive things that can come from the difficult times.

What does the Bible say about contentment?

1 Timothy 6:6-12 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

What does heretic mean in the Bible?

1 religion : a person who differs in opinion from established religious dogma (see dogma sense 2) especially : a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church who refuses to acknowledge or accept a revealed truth The church regards them as heretics.

What does it mean to not be content?

DEFINITIONS1. used to say that someone is not satisfied with something which most people would consider to be enough or too much, but wants or does more.

What is dissensions in the Bible?

discord, strife, conflict, contention, dissension, variance mean a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony.

You’ve likely heard the word content used to describe how someone feels, but did you know that it has a ton of other definitions? Despite what many people may think, the term content has more than one meaning. 

Interested in learning more? We can help! Read on to discover everything you need to know about the term content, including its definition, origin, synonyms, antonyms, and more. 

Let’s get started!

What Is the Definition of Content?

If you text a group of your friends asking for the definition of content, you’ll likely get a mixed bag of answers. Why? Because “content” and “content” are heteronyms — two separate words that are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings. 

So, what does content mean? Let’s take a look at a few definitions provided by trusted dictionaries listed below:

• According to the Macmillan Dictionary, when content is pronounced “kon-tent,” it refers to any material — such as writing, music, or video — that appears on a website or other electronic medium.  

• Also pronounced “kon-tent,” Dictionary.com defines content as something that is contained. The Cambridge Dictionary suggests this pronunciation of content also refers to the articles or parts contained in a book or magazine, with the number of the page they begin on.

• When pronounced “kuhn-tent,” the Collins English Dictionary says if you’re content with something, you’re willing to accept it, rather than wanting something more or something better. 

As you can see, the word content can be used as a noun, adjective, or verb and has many meanings in the English language. 

What Is the Origin of Content?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition, the word content is Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French contenter and Medieval Latin contentare. 

These both come from the Latin contentus, meaning contained or satisfied. Contentus is the past participle of continere, meaning to hold together, enclose, or have as contents.

In France during the 13th century, however, the word contenere became contenir and was brought back to English. It was common when transferring words from French to English to do away with the native word endings, thus ‘contenir’ became contain, from which content was derived. 

The word continued to evolve, with its meaning eventually becoming “to fill” and then “to satisfy.” 

In the 15th century, the term traveled back to the English language, where its word ending was removed once again, creating the derivative “content.”

What Are Synonyms and Antonyms of Content?

Now that we’ve covered the many definitions of content, it’s time to discuss synonyms and antonyms. Learning the synonyms and antonyms of content won’t only strengthen your understanding of the term but can help you express yourself better and more clearly, too!

Synonyms of content include:

• Happy
• Satisfied
• Comfortable
• Bliss
• Calm
• Fulfill
• Gratified
• Euphoria
• Matter
• Motive 
• Question
• Capacity
• Volume
• Theme
• Subject
• Topic
• Gratified
• Pleased

Antonyms of content include:

• Discontented
• Unhappy
• Unsatisfied
• Upset
• Depressed
• Dissatisfied
• Refuse
• Inactivity
• Forfeit
• Reluctant
• Unwilling
• Needy
• Wanting
• Meaningless
• Disagreeable

Using the Word Content in Example Sentences

At this point, you should have a pretty good understanding of what the word content means. So, if you’re ready and feel comfortable, go ahead and practice using it in a sentence.

To get you going, we’ve put together several usage examples for you below:

Most snacks these days have either a high sugar content or high salt content.

The newborn smiled contentedly after finishing her morning meal.

I’m really content with my job and not interested in changing jobs.

The content of the course is described in the course outline.

I am not too sure what the contents are in that mixture, but it smells amazing!

The contents in the cookie jar are for me and me only!

The marketing content for our new skincare product launching in October will be ready to email blast in August.

Suzie was quite content after realizing her boyfriend upgraded from a motel to a fancy hotel.

We need less content and more pictures on our blog.

Are you content with a warm meal during rainy weather?

The television producer is on the hunt for content that is more entertaining than what’s currently on the air.

You do have creative material, but your current content is kinda lame.

The angry voters caused hours of traffic preventing us from making it to the intended destination, so we had to content ourselves with a relaxing day at home.

A deluxe suit isn’t necessary; I’d honestly be perfectly content with a warm meal and a clean place to sleep.

Surrounded by a number of soft toys, the baby appears to be content in her crib after and ready to drift off to dreamland.

Eggs have a high protein content making them a great post-workout snack.

Look, I’m not really content about the current circumstances, OK?

Conclusion

Derived from Old French, when content is used as a noun, it can refer to something contained, an affirmative vote, the topics treated in written work, or the principal substance offered by a website. 

When used as an adjective, on the other hand, the word content simply means satisfied. 

Whether you decide to use content as a noun or an adjective, we hope you are beyond content with this guide. To discover more interesting words, check out our website where you’ll also find grammar tips, useful tools and more.   

Sources:

1. Content definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
2. Content Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
3. CONTENT (noun) definition and synonyms | Macmillan Dictionary

содержание, содержимое, довольствоваться, довольный, согласный

существительное ↓

глагол ↓

прилагательное ↓

Словосочетания

Примеры с переводом

Примеры, ожидающие перевода

Возможные однокоренные слова

contented  — довольный, удовлетворенный, умиротворенный
contention  — утверждение, раздор, конкуренция, спор, соперничество, заявление, борьба
contentious  — спорный, сварливый, вздорный, придирчивый, любящий спорить
contentment  — удовлетворенность, довольство
discontent  — недовольство, неудовлетворенный, вызывать недовольство
contents  — содержание, содержимое, оглавление

Формы слова

verb
I/you/we/they: content
he/she/it: contents
ing ф. (present participle): contenting
2-я ф. (past tense): contented
3-я ф. (past participle): contented

noun
ед. ч.(singular): content
мн. ч.(plural): contents

English[edit]

Etymology 1[edit]

From Middle English contenten (“to satisfy”), from Latin contentus (“contained; satisfied”), past participle of continēre (“to contain”).

Pronunciation[edit]

• enPR: kəntĕnt’, IPA^(key): /kənˈtɛnt/
• Rhymes: -ɛnt
• Hyphenation: con‧tent

Adjective[edit]

content (comparative more content or contenter, superlative most content)

2. Satisfied, pleased, contented.

   • 1910, Emerson Hough, chapter I, in The Purchase Price: Or The Cause of Compromise, Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, →OCLC:

     This new-comer was a man who in any company would have seemed striking. […] He was smooth-faced, and his fresh skin and well-developed figure bespoke the man in good physical condition through active exercise, yet well content with the world’s apportionment.

Translations[edit]

Noun[edit]

content (uncountable)

1. Satisfaction, contentment; pleasure.

   They were in a state of sleepy content after supper.

   • 1791, Elizabeth Inchbald, A Simple Story, Penguin 2009, p. 287:

     ‘I understand you—upon every other subject, but the only one, my content requires, you are ready to obey me.’

   • 2008, Mingmei Yip, Peach Blossom Pavilion:

     Like an empress, I feel great content surrounded by the familiar sounds of laughter, bickering, rattling plates, clicking chopsticks, smacking lips, and noisy sipping of the longevity brew.

   • 1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Second Part of Henry the Sixt, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies. […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i]:

     Such is the fullness of my heart’s content.

   • 1946, C.L. Moore, Vintage Season:

     Kleph moved slowly from the door and sank upon the chaise longue with a little sigh of content.

2. (obsolete) Acquiescence without examination.
3. That which contents or satisfies; that which if attained would make one happy.

   • 1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Second Part of Henry the Sixt, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies. […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i]:

     So will I in England work your grace’s full content.

4. (UK, House of Lords) An expression of assent to a bill or motion; an affirmative vote.
5. (UK, House of Lords, by metonymy) A member who votes in assent.

Derived terms[edit]

Interjection[edit]

content

1. (archaic) Alright, agreed.

Verb[edit]

content (third-person singular simple present contents, present participle contenting, simple past and past participle contented)

2. (transitive) To give contentment or satisfaction; to satisfy; to make happy.

   You can’t have any more — you’ll have to content yourself with what you already have.

   • 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Mark 15:15:

     And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

   • 1741, I[saac] Watts, chapter 14, in The Improvement of the Mind: Or, A Supplement to the Art of Logick: […], London: […] James Brackstone, […], →OCLC, page 194:

     Do not content yourselves with meer Words and Names, lest your laboured Improvements only amass a heap of unintelligible Phrases, and you feed upon Husks instead of Kernels.

   • 2016, Felicity Cloake, “How to make the perfect cacio e pepe,” The Guardian, 3 November, 2016,^[2]

     Caz Hildebrand and Jacob Kenedy recommend rigatoni in the Geometry of Pasta, and Christopher Boswell, the chef behind the Rome Sustainable Food project, prefers wholemeal paccheri or rigatoni in his book Pasta, on the basis that “the flavour of the whole grain is strong enough to stand up to the sharp and salty sheep’s milk cheese” (as I can find neither easily, I have to content myself with brown penne instead).

3. (transitive, obsolete) To satisfy the expectations of; to pay; to requite.

   • c. 1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third: […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene ii]:

     Come the next Sabbath, and I will content you.

Translations[edit]

Etymology 2[edit]

From Middle English content (plural contentes, contence), from Latin contentus, past participle of continēre (“to hold in, contain”), as Etymology 1, above. English apparently developed a substantive form of the adjective, which is not mirrored in Romance languages.

Pronunciation[edit]

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈkɔn.tɛnt/
• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkɒn.tɛnt/
• (US) enPR: kŏn’tĕnt, IPA^(key): /ˈkɑn.tɛnt/
• Rhymes: -ɔntɛnt, -ɒntɛnt, -ɑntɛnt
• Hyphenation: con‧tent

Adjective[edit]

content (comparative more content, superlative most content)

1. (obsolete) Contained.

Noun[edit]

content (countable and uncountable, plural contents)

1. (uncountable) That which is contained.

   Coordinate term: contents

3. Subject matter; semantic information (or a portion or body thereof); that which is contained in writing, speech, video, etc.

   Although eloquently delivered, the content of the speech was objectionable.

   Some online video creators upload new content every day.

   Prolific creators manage their voluminous content with any of various content management systems.

   • 1841 February–November, Charles Dickens, “Barnaby Rudge”, in Master Humphrey’s Clock, volume III, London: Chapman & Hall, […], →OCLC, chapter 21:

     Hugh admitting that he never had, and moreover that he couldn’t read, Mrs Varden declared with much severity, that he ought to he even more ashamed of himself than before, and strongly recommended him to save up his pocket-money for the purchase of one, and further to teach himself the contents with all convenient diligence.

   • 2000 October, John Perry Barlow, “The Next Economy Of Ideas”, in Wired‎^[3], →ISSN:

     In the future, instead of bottles of dead «content,» I imagine electronically defined venues, where minds residing in bodies scattered all over the planet are admitted, either by subscription or a ticket at a time, into the real-time presence of the creative act.

   • 2013 June 21, Oliver Burkeman, “The tao of tech”, in The Guardian Weekly‎^[4], volume 189, number 2, page 27:

     The dirty secret of the internet is that all this distraction and interruption is immensely profitable. Web companies like to boast about «creating compelling content«, or […] and so on. But the real way to build a successful online business is to be better than your rivals at undermining people’s control of their own attention.

4. The amount of material contained; contents.

   Light beer has a lower alcohol content than regular beer.

5. (obsolete) Capacity for containing.
6. (mathematics) The n-dimensional space contained by an n-dimensional polytope (called volume in the case of a polyhedron and area in the case of a polygon); length, area or volume, generalized to an arbitrary number of dimensions.
7. (algebra, ring theory, of a polynomial with coefficients in a GCD domain) The greatest common divisor of the coefficients; (of a polynomial with coefficients in an integral domain) the common factor of the coefficients which, when removed, leaves the adjusted coefficients with no common factor that is noninvertible.

Derived terms[edit]

Descendants[edit]

• → Russian: контент (kontent)
  • → Armenian: կոնտենտ (kontent)

Translations[edit]

[edit]

Further reading[edit]

• content in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• “content”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911, →OCLC.

Anagrams[edit]

• Connett

Catalan[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Latin contentus.

Pronunciation[edit]

• (Balearic, Valencian) IPA^(key): /konˈtent/
• (Central) IPA^(key): /kunˈten/

Adjective[edit]

content (feminine contenta, masculine plural contents, feminine plural contentes)

1. content, satisfied, pleased

   Antonym: descontent

Derived terms[edit]

• descontent

Further reading[edit]

• “content” in Diccionari de la llengua catalana, segona edició, Institut d’Estudis Catalans.
• “content”, in Gran Diccionari de la Llengua Catalana, Grup Enciclopèdia Catalana, 2023
• “content” in Diccionari normatiu valencià, Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua.
• “content” in Diccionari català-valencià-balear, Antoni Maria Alcover and Francesc de Borja Moll, 1962.

Dutch[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

• Hyphenation: con‧tent

Etymology 1[edit]

Adjective[edit]

content (comparative contenter, superlative contentst)

1. content(ed), satisfied

Etymology 2[edit]

Noun[edit]

content m (uncountable)

1. the content of a medium

French[edit]

Etymology 1[edit]

From Middle French content, from Old French, borrowed from Latin contentus.

Pronunciation[edit]

• IPA^(key): /kɔ̃.tɑ̃/
• Homophones: comptant, contant, contents

Adjective[edit]

content (feminine contente, masculine plural contents, feminine plural contentes)

1. content, satisfied, pleased

Derived terms[edit]

Descendants[edit]

• Louisiana Creole: konten

Etymology 2[edit]

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

Pronunciation[edit]

• IPA^(key): /kɔ̃t/

Verb[edit]

content

1. third-person plural present/subjunctive of conter

Further reading[edit]

• “content”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.

Louisiana Creole[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From French content (“content”), compare Haitian Creole kontan.

Verb[edit]

content

1. to be contented

References[edit]

• Alcée Fortier, Louisiana Folktales

Middle French[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Old French content, borrowed from Latin contentus.

Adjective[edit]

content m (feminine singular contente, masculine plural contens, feminine plural contentes)

1. happy; satisfied; content

Descendants[edit]

• French: content

Norman[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

• caontent (Guernsey)

Etymology[edit]

From Old French, borrowed from Latin contentus (“having been held together, contained”), from contineō, continēre (“hold or keep together, surround, contain”).

Adjective[edit]

content m

1. (Jersey) happy

If you feel content, you’re satisfied and happy. The first has to do with being pleased and satisfied (feeling content) or making someone else feel happy and at peace with things (contenting them). The other meaning has to do with subject matter: the content of a history class might be American history.

What is the noun for content?

Content (uncountable) Content as a singular noun is uncountable. It means the ideas that are contained in a piece of writing or a film or a speech: This film has adult content; it is not suitable for children. His speech was very flowery, but it lacked content and was quite superficial.

Is content an adjective or adverb?

CONTENT (adjective) definition and synonyms | Macmillan Dictionary.

What is the verb for content?

contented; contenting; contents. Definition of content (Entry 3 of 4) transitive verb. 1 : to appease the desires of … he had been betrayed into a position which neither contented his heart nor satisfied his conscience.—

What are the contents of grammar?

Definitions of Key Grammar Concepts

• Parts of Speech. In English grammar, the eight major parts of speech are noun, pronoun, adjective, verb, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection.
• Nouns.
• Pronouns.
• Adjectives.
• Verbs.
• Adverbs.
• Prepositions.
• Conjunctions.

Is it a table of content or contents?

A table of contents, usually headed simply Contents and abbreviated informally as TOC, is a list, usually found on a page before the start of a written work, of its chapter or section titles or brief descriptions with their commencing page numbers.

How do you set up a table of contents?

Put your cursor where you want to add the table of contents. Go to References > Table of Contents. and choose an automatic style. If you make changes to your document that affect the table of contents, update the table of contents by right-clicking the table of contents and choosing Update Field.

How do you write a table of content?

To write a table of contents, you first write the title or chapter names of your research paper in chronological order. Secondly, you write the subheadings or subtitles, if you have them in your paper. After that, you write the page numbers for the corresponding headings and subheadings.

What can I say instead of table of contents?

What is another word for table of contents?

tabulation	summary
table	agenda
appendix	canon
catalogueUK	catalogUS
chart	compendium

What’s another word for table?

What is another word for table?

desk	tabletop
sideboard	buffet
counter	davenport
escritoire	stand
worktop	board

What is another name for a list in coding?

As many algorithms involve the manipulation of sets of data, another programming technique that will be useful to our algorithm writing is the use of lists. A list, sometimes called an array, is a tool for storing data, just like a variable.

What is a list called in English?

In composition, a list is a series of particular images, details, or facts. Also called a series, a catalog, an inventory, and (in classical rhetoric) enumeratio.

What are basic household items?

Household necessities are items that are required to keep a home running smoothly. These items provide for basic human needs: Food, water and shelter. In addition, household essentials include items to provide comfort and safety. The items a family might consider to be necessities may vary depending upon income.

What does checklist mean?

: a list of things to be checked or done a pilot’s checklist before takeoff also : a comprehensive list.

What is an example of a checklist?

The definition of a checklist is a list of things that can be checked off as completed or noted. An example of a checklist is when you have ten things to do for work and you make a list of all of them and you check them off as you accomplish each of them. A checklist of the plants of the Guiana Shield.

Is checklist a word?

noun. Also check list . a list of items, as names or tasks, for comparison, verification, or other checking purposes.

How do you describe a checklist?

A checklist is a list of all the things that you need to do, information that you want to find out, or things that you need to take somewhere, which you make in order to ensure that you do not forget anything. Make a checklist of the tools and materials you will need.

What’s another word for a checklist?

In this page you can discover 11 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for checklist, like: , , flowchart, handbook, proforma, guideline, workbook, toolkit, guide, risk assessment and booklet.

What is similar to a checklist?

The best alternative is Trello, which is free. Other great apps like Checklist.com are Todoist (Freemium), Asana (Freemium), WorkFlowy (Freemium) and Basecamp (Freemium).

If you feel content, you’re satisfied and happy. The content of a book, movie, or song is what it’s about: the topic. This word has two main meanings. The first has to do with being pleased and satisfied (feeling content) or making someone else feel happy and at peace with things (contenting them).

What words define content and meaning?

Content words, in linguistics, are words that possess semantic content and contribute to the meaning of the sentence in which they occur. Content words are usually open class words, and new words are easily added to the language.

What type of word is content?

noun. the state or feeling of being contented; satisfaction; contentment: His content was threatened.

What is content example?

Content is defined as what is inside or included in something. An example of content is beans inside of a jar. An example of content is the words inside a book.

How do you use the word content?

1. I’m content to just move forward.
2. It will analyze and record the nutritional content of your meal.
3. Her stomach was content , and she hadn’t thrown up.
4. Arnie tripped, the content of his fist flying free over the boulders to the cliff’s edge.
5. He was more than content to spend his first day of skiing on the bunny slope.

What is difference between content and contents?

Content is an uncountable noun. We use it when referring to the ideas or subject matter of something (e.g., the “content of a speech”). Contents is a plural countable noun. We use it for things in a container or for sections of a publication (e.g., book chapters in a “table of contents”).

What is another word for content?

What is another word for content?

contented	gratified
happy	pleased
satisfied	fulfilled
comfortable	assuaged
blissful	cheerful

What is another word for table of contents?

tabulation	summary
digest	graph
illustration	index
inventory	list
plan	record

What is another name for index?

What is another word for index?

list	listing
inventory	catalogueUK
directory	catalogUS
file	table
table of contents	record

What is another name for list?

What is another word for list?

listing	register
series	schedule
table	tally
enumeration	file
registry	tabulation

What’s a list of items called?

1. List, catalog, inventory, roll, schedule imply a definite arrangement of items.

The items a family might consider to be necessities may vary depending upon income.

• Furniture and Appliances. Couches, chairs, a kitchen table and beds are household necessities.
• Kitchen.
• Bedding, Window Coverings and Linens.
• Cleaning.
• Personal Hygiene.

types:

show 245 types…

hide 245 types…

body

the central message of a communication

corker

(dated slang) a remarkable or excellent thing or person

reminder

a message that helps you remember something

petition, postulation, request

a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

memorial

a written statement of facts submitted in conjunction with a petition to an authority

latent content

(psychoanalysis) hidden meaning of a fantasy or dream

subject, theme, topic

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

aside, digression, divagation, excursus, parenthesis, tangent

a message that departs from the main subject

import, meaning, significance, signification

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

bunk, hokum, meaninglessness, nonsense, nonsensicality

a message that seems to convey no meaning

drivel, garbage

a worthless message

acknowledgement, acknowledgment

a statement acknowledging something or someone

refusal

a message refusing to accept something that is offered

info, information

a message received and understood

counsel, counseling, counselling, direction, guidance

something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action

commitment, dedication

a message that makes a pledge

approval, commendation

a message expressing a favorable opinion

disapproval

the expression of disapproval

respects

(often used with `pay’) a formal expression of esteem

discourtesy, disrespect

an expression of lack of respect

insertion, interpolation

a message (spoken or written) that is introduced or inserted

statement

a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc

statement

a nonverbal message

humor, humour, wit, witticism, wittiness

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

opinion, view

a message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof

direction, instruction

a message describing how something is to be done

proposal

something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)

offer, offering

something offered (as a proposal or bid)

entry, submission

something (manuscripts or architectural plans and models or estimates or works of art of all genres etc.) submitted for the judgment of others (as in a competition)

narration, narrative, story, tale

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

packaging, promotion, promotional material, publicity

a message issued in behalf of some product or cause or idea or person or institution

sensationalism

subject matter that is calculated to excite and please vulgar tastes

shocker

a sensational message (in a film or play or novel)

guideline, road map

a detailed plan or explanation to guide you in setting standards or determining a course of action

tearjerker

an excessively sentimental narrative

sum-up, summary

a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form

ammunition

information that can be used to attack or defend a claim or argument or viewpoint

factoid

something resembling a fact; unverified (often invented) information that is given credibility because it appeared in print

credits

a list of acknowledgements of those who contributed to the creation of a film (usually run at the end of the film)

application

a verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school

appeal, collection, ingathering, solicitation

request for a sum of money

receipt

an acknowledgment (usually tangible) that payment has been made

pleading

(law) a statement in legal and logical form stating something on behalf of a party to a legal proceeding

bone of contention

the subject of a dispute

precedent

a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)

lexical meaning

the meaning of a content word that depends on the nonlinguistic concepts it is used to express

grammatical meaning

the meaning of a word that depends on its role in a sentence; varies with inflectional form

symbolisation, symbolization

the use of symbols to convey meaning

sense, signified

the meaning of a word or expression; the way in which a word or expression or situation can be interpreted

connotation, intension

what you must know in order to determine the reference of an expression

referent

something referred to; the object of a reference

burden, core, effect, essence, gist

the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work

intent, purport, spirit

the intended meaning of a communication

lesson, moral

the significance of a story or event

nicety, nuance, refinement, shade, subtlety

a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude

overtone

(usually plural) an ulterior implicit meaning or quality

point

a brief version of the essential meaning of something

absurdity, absurdness, ridiculousness

a message whose content is at variance with reason

amphigory, nonsense verse

nonsensical writing (usually verse)

balderdash, fiddle-faddle, piffle

trivial nonsense

buzzword, cant

stock phrases that have become nonsense through endless repetition

cobblers

nonsense

crock

nonsense; foolish talk

fa la, fal la

meaningless syllables in the refrain of a partsong

gibber, gibberish

unintelligible talking

incoherence, incoherency, unintelligibility

nonsense that is simply incoherent and unintelligible

jabberwocky

nonsensical language (according to Lewis Carroll)

flummery, mummery

meaningless ceremonies and flattery

empty talk, empty words, hot air, palaver, rhetoric

loud and confused and empty talk

rigamarole, rigmarole

a set of confused and meaningless statements

schmegegge, shmegegge

(Yiddish) baloney; hot air; nonsense

hooey, poppycock, stuff, stuff and nonsense

senseless talk

baloney, bilgewater, boloney, bosh, drool, humbug, taradiddle, tarradiddle, tommyrot, tosh, twaddle

pretentious or silly talk or writing

buncombe, bunk, bunkum, guff, hogwash, rot

unacceptable behavior (especially ludicrously false statements)

applesauce, codswallop, folderol, rubbish, trash, tripe, trumpery, wish-wash

nonsensical talk or writing

pablum, pap

worthless or oversimplified ideas

farewell, word of farewell

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

greeting, salutation

(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

aloha, ciao

an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is Hawaiian and ciao is Italian)

handclasp, handshake, handshaking, shake

grasping and shaking a person’s hand (as to acknowledge an introduction or to agree on a contract)

apology

an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone

mea culpa

an acknowledgment of your error or guilt

commiseration, condolence

an expression of sympathy with another’s grief

declination, regrets

a polite refusal of an invitation

misinformation

information that is incorrect

material

information (data or ideas or observations) that can be used or reworked into a finished form

details, inside information

true confidential information

fact

a statement or assertion of verified information about something that is the case or has happened

data format, data formatting, format, formatting

the organization of information according to preset specifications (usually for computer processing)

gen

informal term for information

database

an organized body of related information

intelligence, news, tidings, word

information about recent and important events

news

informal information of any kind that is not previously known to someone

nuts and bolts

detailed practical information about how something works or how something can be accomplished

intelligence, intelligence information

secret information about an enemy (or potential enemy)

confirmation

information that confirms or verifies

career counseling

counseling on career opportunities

cynosure

something that provides guidance (as Polaris guides mariners)

genetic counseling

guidance for prospective parents on the likelihood of genetic disorders in their future children

marriage counseling

counseling on marital problems and disagreements

confidential information, hint, lead, steer, tip, wind

an indication of potential opportunity

insider information

important information about the plans or condition of a corporation that has not been released to the public; use for personal profit is illegal

rule

any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order

prescript, rule

prescribed guide for conduct or action

rubric

directions for the conduct of Christian church services (often printed in red in a prayer book)

advice

a proposal for an appropriate course of action

arcanum, secret

information known only to a special group

secret

something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)

propaganda

information that is spread for the purpose of promoting some cause

course of study, curriculum, program, programme, syllabus

an integrated course of academic studies

news

information reported in a newspaper or news magazine

oath, swearing

a commitment to tell the truth (especially in a court of law); to lie under oath is to become subject to prosecution for perjury

affirmation

(religion) a solemn declaration that serves the same purpose as an oath (if an oath is objectionable to the person on religious or ethical grounds)

approbation

official recognition or approval

countenance, endorsement, imprimatur, indorsement, sanction, warrant

formal and explicit approval

credit, recognition

approval

connivance, secret approval, tacit consent

(law) tacit approval of someone’s wrongdoing

permission

approval to do something

encouragement

the expression of approval and support

acclaim, acclamation, eclat, plaudit, plaudits

enthusiastic approval

applause, clapping, hand clapping

a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together

cheer

a cry or shout of approval

congratulations, extolment, kudos, praise

an expression of approval and commendation

testimonial, tribute

something given or done as an expression of esteem

condemnation, disapprobation

an expression of strong disapproval; pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable

criticism, unfavorable judgment

disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings

abuse, contumely, insult, revilement, vilification

a rude expression intended to offend or hurt

derision

contemptuous laughter

ridicule

language or behavior intended to mock or humiliate

contempt, scorn

open disrespect for a person or thing

depreciation, derogation, disparagement

a communication that belittles somebody or something

cheek, impertinence, impudence

an impudent statement

amendment

a statement that is added to or revises or improves a proposal or document (a bill or constitution etc.)

thing

a statement regarded as an object

true statement, truth

a true statement

description, verbal description

a statement that represents something in words

declaration

a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)

announcement, annunciation, declaration, proclamation

a formal public statement

Bill of Rights

a statement of fundamental rights and privileges (especially the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution)

formula

a conventionalized statement expressing some fundamental principle

mathematical statement

a statement of a mathematical relation

evidence

(law) all the means by which any alleged matter of fact whose truth is investigated at judicial trial is established or disproved

bid, bidding

(bridge) the number of tricks a bridge player is willing to contract to make

word

a brief statement

account, explanation

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

explanandum, explicandum

(logic) a statement of something (a fact or thing or expression) to be explained

explanans

(logic) statements that explain the explicandum; the explanatory premises

value statement

a statement of the desirability of something

representation

a statement of facts and reasons made in appealing or protesting

answer, resolution, result, solution, solvent

a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem

answer, reply, response

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

announcement, promulgation

a public statement containing information about an event that has happened or is going to happen

forecasting, foretelling, prediction, prognostication

a statement made about the future

proposition

(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false

quotation

a statement of the current market price of a security or commodity

falsehood, falsity, untruth

a false statement

understatement

a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said

qualification, reservation

a statement that limits or restricts some claim

cautious statement

a statement made with careful qualifications

comment, commentary

a written explanation or criticism or illustration that is added to a book or other textual material

comment, input, remark

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

rhetorical question

a statement that is formulated as a question but that is not supposed to be answered

misstatement

a statement that contains a mistake

restatement

a revised statement

agreement, understanding

the statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises

condition, term

(usually plural) a statement of what is required as part of an agreement

jeu d’esprit

a witty comment or writing

bon mot, mot

a clever remark

esprit de l’escalier

a witty remark that occurs to you too late

bite, pungency

wit having a sharp and caustic quality

caustic remark, irony, sarcasm, satire

witty language used to convey insults or scorn

repartee

adroitness and cleverness in reply

gag, jape, jest, joke, laugh

a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

caricature, imitation, impersonation

a representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect

cartoon, sketch

a humorous or satirical drawing published in a newspaper or magazine

fun, play, sport

verbal wit or mockery (often at another’s expense but not to be taken seriously)

ribaldry

ribald humor

topper

an exceedingly good witticism that surpasses all that have gone before

adverse opinion

an opinion concerning financial statements (usually based on an audit by a CPA) that the statements as a whole do not present results fairly or are not in conformity with the generally accepted accounting practices of the United States

conjecture, guess, hypothesis, speculation, supposition, surmisal, surmise

a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

position, side

an opinion that is held in opposition to another in an argument or dispute

estimate

a statement indicating the likely cost of some job

head, question

the subject matter at issue

misdirection

incorrect directions or instructions

address, destination, name and address

written directions for finding some location; written on letters or packages that are to be delivered to that location

markup

detailed stylistic instructions for typesetting something that is to be printed; manual markup is usually written on the copy (e.g. underlining words that are to be set in italics)

prescription

directions prescribed beforehand; the action of prescribing authoritative rules or directions

formula, recipe

directions for making something

rule

directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted

stage direction

an instruction written as part of the script of a play

style

editorial directions to be followed in spelling and punctuation and capitalization and typographical display

chemical formula, formula

a representation of a substance using symbols for its constituent elements

read-out, readout

the information displayed or recorded on an electronic device

phylactery, tefillin

(Judaism) either of two small leather cases containing texts from the Hebrew Scriptures (known collectively as tefillin); traditionally worn (on the forehead and the left arm) by Jewish men during morning prayer

tabular matter, tabulation

information set out in tabular form

blasphemy

blasphemous language (expressing disrespect for God or for something sacred)

contract offer

offer by an employer to contract to pay an employee at a given rate

marriage offer, marriage proposal, proposal, proposal of marriage

an offer of marriage

proposition

an offer for a private bargain (especially a request for sexual favors)

counterproposal

a proposal offered as an alternative to an earlier proposal

hypothesis

a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations

proffer, proposition, suggestion

a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection

introduction

a new proposal

re-introduction

a proposal of something previously rejected

motion, question

a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote

counteroffer

an offer made by someone who has rejected a prior offer

bid, tender

a formal proposal to buy at a specified price

prospectus

a formal written offer to sell securities (filed with the SEC) that sets forth a plan for a (proposed) business enterprise

tender offer

an offer to buy shares in a corporation (usually above the market price) for cash or securities or both

reward

the offer of money for helping to find a criminal or for returning lost property

rights issue, rights offering

an offering of common stock to existing shareholders who hold subscription rights or pre-emptive rights that entitle them to buy newly issued shares at a discount from the price at which they will be offered to the public later

special

a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising

olive branch, peace offering

something offered to an adversary in the hope of obtaining peace

twofer

an offer of two for the price of one

filing

the entering of a legal document into the public record

demand

an urgent or peremptory request

representation

a factual statement made by one party in order to induce another party to enter into a contract

declaration

a statement of taxable goods or of dutiable properties

admission

an acknowledgment of the truth of something

skinny

confidential information about a topic or person

stuff

information in some unspecified form

report, report card

a written evaluation of a student’s scholarship and deportment

tall tale

an improbable (unusual or incredible or fanciful) story

folk tale, folktale

a tale circulated by word of mouth among the common folk

sob story, sob stuff

a sentimental story (or drama) of personal distress; designed to arouse sympathy

fairy story, fairy tale, fairytale

a children’s story involving imaginary, magical or fantastical beings or elements

nursery rhyme

a tale in rhymed verse for children

promise

a verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future

assurance

a statement intended to inspire confidence

assurance, pledge

a binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something

thanks

an acknowledgment of appreciation

recital

a detailed statement giving facts and figures

keynote

the principal theme in a speech or literary work

buildup

highly favorable publicity and praise

PR, public relations

a promotion intended to create goodwill for a person or institution

blurb, endorsement, indorsement

a promotional statement (as found on the dust jackets of books)

ballyhoo, hoopla, hype, plug

blatant or sensational promotion

pitch, sales pitch, sales talk

promotion by means of an argument and demonstration

ad, advert, advertisement, advertising, advertizement, advertizing

a public promotion of some product or service

sales promotion

promotion that supplements or coordinates advertising

discouragement

the expression of opposition and disapproval

system command

a computer user’s instruction (not part of a program) that calls for action by the computer’s executive program

negation

a negative statement; a statement that is a refusal or denial of some other statement

proposition

a suggested law or policy that citizens can vote for or against

motion

a request to a court for a ruling or order

There is an opinion that the term content means the text part of the filling of pages of websites, i.e., carrying the main information load. However, this point of view is not entirely correct.

The concept of content

In fact, all information posted on the siteson the Internet, is content. Under this definition is textual content of resources, videos, photos and pictures, audio recordings. All kinds of advertising and controls. As a result, the concept of content is very broad definition.

So, what is content? The simplest answer to this question will be filling the site. And then there are its different types and types.

Content Assignment

• Informational. This kind of content is useful for the user. For example, product descriptions, news, various reviews, thematic information. This form is the main content of almost any site. And on its quality and usefulness depends both the loyalty of users to the resource, and its popularity.
• Commercial, or selling content. This includes any advertising, messages about promotions, discounts, as well as selling texts. And it’s not very good when such content takes up most of the content of websites. However, some creators aim to maximize the quick profit from their project. As a result, it turns out a resource with a bunch of obtrusive advertising, pop-up windows and useless commercial articles, which are unlikely to find readers.
• Entertaining. Here you can include pictures, funny stories, jokes, interesting facts — everything that entertains visitors attracts attention.
• Teaching. An excellent type of content that allows you to attract the attention of visitors and increases the «usefulness» of the resource. But you should not confuse learning content with school disciplines, for example, algebra or geometry. This includes such usefulness as master classes, step-by-step instructions, training videos, and so on.

A harmonious combination of all these types of content makes the site useful, informative and popular with Internet users.

Content — what is it? Content Types

By types of display on the site content can be divided into static and dynamic.

• Static represents that part of filling sites, which can only change the administrator of the resource. For example, the text content of the pages.
• Dynamic. Also occurs under the name of the user’s content, for example, forums, comments, reviews. A significant advantage of such content is the ability to receive feedback from users and allow them to independently fill resources. Naturally, in this case, a moderation is necessary. Dynamic content of the site also includes information blocks, the content of which varies depending on external data. For example, advertising, the content of which depends on previously entered user requests.

Filling with quality content is the basiscreation of any site. This largely depends on the position of the resource in the issuance of search engines, as well as its popularity among users. To be really good, the content must correspond to several features.

Sometimes you can find the name «content in the PS.» PS is deciphered as a search engine, for example, «Yandex» or any other. Therefore, the content of search engines is any information given out by search engines.

Uniqueness of the text

The most important property that must havecontent for the site is uniqueness. First of all, this refers to the text content of the site and means that there should not be a repeating text on the Internet. The uniqueness of content on the site is welcomed not only by Internet users, but also by search engines. The use of information copied from other resources has a negative impact on the rating of the site and, accordingly, on the position in the issuance of search engines.

Checking any text for uniqueness is simple enough. To do this, there are many services — for example, «ETXT-antiplagiat» or «Advego Plagiatus».

Absence of grammatical and stylistic errors

First, the presence in the text of any errors of itsdoes not paint at all. In addition to the fact that users simply will not read such a text, they will remain extremely negative about the resource itself. Secondly, search robots have long learned to determine the quality of the text, and the presence of errors adversely affects the position of the site. Therefore it is foolish to think, using poor-quality content, that it will go to the site for good.

There are cases when in pursuit ofuniqueness, the authors consciously distort proposals by permuting words or thinkinglessly using synonyms. As a result, there is a text unique from the point of view of programs, completely unreadable and distorted in meaning from the point of view of visitors.

Informative

The lack of so-called «water» in the texts. Everyone saw examples of content, in which much is written, without errors, maybe even a good language, but nothing. This happens when the author needs, or maybe very much wants to write a certain amount of text, but his knowledge on the topic is enough for a couple of meaningful suggestions.

Lack of desire to fill in the gaps in theirknowledge, plus the desire to do everything in a quick way, push him to write empty texts. As a result, it turns out utterly dregs, after reading that a person certainly will not find what he was looking for. And of course, he will not stay long on the resource.

Types of text content

• Copywriting. A unique text written by the author on the basis of his own knowledge and experience or communication with other people.
• Rewriting. Also a unique text, but at the heart of its creation is information taken from several sources and rewritten by the author in his own words. Those people who studied at school, more than once engaged in rewriting. The essence of the exposition is the same — to write down your own words with preservation of meaning.
• SEO texts. This is copywriting or rewriting, optimized for search engines and containing keywords. With a competent spelling, search queries are organically entered into the text and do not spoil its meaning.
• Plagiarism. Sometimes it is called a copy-paste. It consists in a simple copying to the site of information from various resources. In this case, the text either does not change at all, or is subject to minimal correction. For example, the names of companies, addresses, personal information, etc., change.

Information management systems on the site

Or abbreviated CMS. These systems provide convenient and easy content management, namely adding new pages to sites and editing existing ones.

Using CMS when creating sites gives many advantages:

• Relative simplicity of creating resources.
• No need for deep programming knowledge.
• A variety of template designs that you can customize at your discretion.
• Easy to expand project.
• Good CMS functionality: for example, you can easily connect a blog, forum or gallery module to a site.
• The focus of many CMS on certain types of projects. For example, there are systems for creating blogs, e-commerce, online business cards, etc.

Thus, answering the question: «Content is what is it?» — it can be concluded that this term refers to all that we see on the Internet. And the popularity of any web resource depends on its quality and usefulness.

Could you give a definition for content? Does everyone on your team agree with your definition? Do the people on other teams think content means the same thing you think it means?

Sure, there’s a dictionary definition for content (in fact, multiple definitions for multiple usages). A Wikipedia entry offers two slightly different definitions in its first two sentences.

This question of how to define content came up in the Content Marketing Institute LinkedIn group a few weeks ago. It pops up in Twitter chats and conversations fairly regularly. And there’s a healthy search volume around related phrases.

If definitions exist, why does this question keep coming up?

Is the definition of content simply information?

Plenty of people have explored what’s meant when people talk about content as it’s used in businesses and other organizations.

Michael Brenner teased out the differences between content and content marketing in an article so popular we’ve run it a few times. To paraphrase, Michael says “content” is typically produced because someone in the organization asked for it, while “content” paired with “marketing” is what the audience wants.

#Content paired w/ #marketing is what the audience wants, says @BrennerMichael. Read more>> Click To Tweet

It’s an important distinction, but it’s not quite a definition.

In 2013, the TopRank Marketing community offered definitions. In its resulting post, CMI founder Joe Pulizzi said content is “compelling information that informs, engages, or amuses.”

Simple enough. Content is information that provides a benefit to the person who consumes it.

Other definitions in the round-up article echoed Joe’s with nuances.

A few felt a definition isn’t even possible, as Olivier Blanchard suggests:

The thing about the term ‘content’ is that it’s just vague enough to mean everything and anything, which is to say it doesn’t mean anything at all. It’s essentially a word that means “stuff to fill an empty space with.” It could be photos, video, marketing copy, thorough analysis, poetry, farts, vacuous nonsense, cat hair, or cheese cubes. The only thing it hints at is that there is a finite volume of the space it must fill. Ironically, the word itself is a vessel for more content: Here’s an empty word. Now fill it with meaning.

The word #content is an empty vessel. Fill it with meaning. @OABlanchard Read more>> Click To Tweet

Take a spin through TopRank’s post to notice the range of responses and how often “stuff” and “things” show up in the definitions. Those are more indications of how strangely hard content is to define.

#Content is strangely hard to define, says @Kmoutsos. Click To Tweet

What the dictionary says

Dictionary definitions don’t completely satisfy. Here’s how Merriam-Webster breaks down “content”:

• “1a: something contained – usually used in plural.” Merriam-Webster’s examples include “the jar’s contents” and “the drawer’s contents.” Specifying the plural usage shows this isn’t exactly what we mean by content.
• “1b: the topics or matter treated in a written work.” This usage is much closer, as it’s tied to publishing (think “table of ”). But you’ve likely spotted the problem: Content transcends written works to include audio and visual formats.
• “1c: the principal substance (such as written matter, illustrations, or music) offered by a website.” This entry includes a Ben Gerson quote to clarify: “…Internet users have evolved an ethos of free content in the Internet.”

If you want to go off on a slight tangent, check out the Yarrr! Content episode of PBS Idea Channel, which explored the term (and why some people hate it) and settles on a similar definition.

But the content many of us work on isn’t limited to websites, apps, or any digital form.

Merriam-Webster offers a few more entries for content:

• “2a: substance, gist”
• “2b: meaning, significance”
• “2c: the events, physical detail, and information in a work of art. ‘The film was rated R for its violent content.’”

Notice how option c goes back to content as information. Still, as talented as the content community is, works of art might be a bit of a stretch for our definition.

Where does that leave us? I like the definition Rahel Anne Bailie offered recently on Twitter. Content is “contextual, human-usable data.”

#Content is contextual, human-usable data, says @rahelab. Read more>> Click To Tweet

Given that my definition of content is “contextual, human-usable data,” this fits nicely.

— Rahel Anne Bailie (@rahelab) February 12, 2018

Information is data in context, and content is contextual data created for people.

I’d like that explanation even better if it borrows from that great Dr. Brené Brown quote about stories. What if we defined content as information with a soul? When I imagine what exactly that might be, my definition of content is “compelling information that informs, engages, or amuses.”

Why a content definition matters

If you thought of content as useful, helpful, engaging, and even soulful information, would that change how you approach your job?

That definition, with its built-in aspiration, serves as a reminder to aim high and think of the value to the audience first.

A definition for #content that incl built-in aspiration reminds us to aim high & value audience. @Kmoutsos Click To Tweet

Would it change how others perceive your team and the work it does? Let’s say you evangelize the “helpful information” definition of content across your organization.

When your colleagues hear the phrase “sales content,” they would immediately think “helpful information for people who are ready to buy.” Note how nicely this notion of sales content aligns with Marcus Sheridan’s advice to rally sales and content teams around a shared mission to be the best teachers in your niche.

A shared, inspirational content definition could even go a long way to unite teams that are typically siloed. In a recent article on SpinSucks, Public Relations vs. Marketing: Is This Still a Thing? (spoiler alert: it is), Mike Connell wrote about content as the great uniter between those disciplines:

The truth is, there’s no arguing that marketing and PR are different, but ultimately their goals should align, and practices can converge under a common component: content.

#Marketing and PR are different, but their goals should align under #content, says @themuna. Click To Tweet

If marketing and PR practices converge through content (read: helpful information), why can’t sales and marketing, customer service and marketing, and so on and so on. A shared definition can only help. 

Once your team agrees on what content means, don’t keep it to yourself. Explain your definition in your meetings with other teams. Post it in your organization’s intranet. Keep it visible and accessible.

Content by any other name

How much does the name we give a thing matter? Perhaps the name matters less than its shared definition.

Some people dislike the term content. Some are simply confused by it. Still, content as a label won’t likely go away soon – in part because no other name has popped up to replace it.

Sure, instead of CMI, Joe could have called it the Engaging Information Marketing Institute, the Helpful Information Marketing Institute, or the Information With a Soul Marketing Institute. But he led with content.

I’m content with that choice. How about you?

Gather with other like-minded folks who realize the value of shared definitions, structures, frameworks, etc., for more successful content marketing. There’s still time to register for Intelligent Content Conference March 20-22 in Las Vegas. Use code BLOG100 to save $100.

Cover image by Joseph Kalinowski/Content Marketing Institute

Britannica Dictionary definition of CONTENT

Britannica Dictionary definition of CONTENT

Britannica Dictionary definition of CONTENT

Britannica Dictionary definition of CONTENT