【Contain】 , 【hold】 , 【accommodate】 denote to have or be capable of having within.
To 【contain】 is to have within or to have as an element, fraction, or part; to 【hold】 is to have the capacity to 【contain】 or to retain; thus, a bookcase that holds (is capable of containing) one hundred volumes may 【contain】 (actually have in it) only fifty; a bushel contains (not holds) four pecks but a bushel basket holds (not contains) four pecks of potatoes.
But the distinction between 【hold】 and 【contain】 is often inconsiderable or disregarded.
To 【accommodate】 (see also OBLIGE 2) is to 【hold】 without crowding and inconvenience.