noun

contentment

kun-TENT-munt/kənˈtentmənt/

A state of quiet satisfaction and ease.

She sits with quiet contentment beside her resting cat.

An older woman sits comfortably beside her resting cat, eyes gently open and a small satisfied smile on her face, cradling a cup of tea.

Etymology

conLatintogether

+tentLatinto hold

+mentOld Frenchstate or result

Holding together gives the idea of being contained within limits. The shift to satisfaction probably pictures people’s desires as bounded by what they already have, yielding contentment with present circumstances.

In context

Allellu30:09

all satisfaction and contentment with our present life so long as we live in a state of civil subordination.

Proofs of a Conspiracy [Part 1 of 2] by John Robison | Full Audiobook, Read-Along

More examples

A warm meal and a comfortable chair bring him contentment.
Their letters describe a growing sense of contentment.
He finds contentment in a simpler daily routine.

Forms

contentment

Similar words

satisfaction: Can be a response to a particular success rather than a settled state of ease.
serenity: Serenity is calmness; contentment includes satisfaction with one’s circumstances.