contentedness

[ kuhn-ten-tid-nis ]

noun

1. the state or condition of being satisfied and not needing or wanting anything more or anything else:

   In my adoptive family there were unpleasant challenges, but also moments of deep contentedness, unexpected belonging, and joy.

Other Words From

• half-con·tent·ed·ness noun
• o·ver·con·tent·ed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contentedness¹

First recorded in 1575–85; contented ( def ) + -ness ( )

Example Sentences

But the other part of the book is my search for contentedness.

From Seattle Times

The country is regularly billed as one of the happiest places on Earth, based on studies that purport to rank national contentedness.

From Los Angeles Times

Mohseni’s line readings feel, at first, presentational, but her gaze is astonishing in its ability to convey longing and a mask of contentedness.

From New York Times

Mikkelsen can, because he wears an assurance that telegraphs his contentedness with filling space without sucking the air out of the room.

From Salon

Lagging behind the camera, Odenkirk casually peered over the balcony’s edge and, spotting the thing in question, reacted with a jolt, his boozy contentedness giving way, abruptly, to a silent-comedy pantomime of terror.

From New York Times

Related Words

• achievement
• amusement
• comfort
• contentment
• delight
• enjoyment
• fulfillment
• gratification
• happiness
• joy
• peace of mind
• pleasure
• pride
• relief
• vindication
• well-being