Boundary: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a dividing line or something that marks the extent of an area. Often in the context of land, property, or abstract concepts such as personal space.

• The boundary between the two properties is marked by a fence.
• You need to set clear boundaries in your relationships.

Commonly used to describe the line that separates two countries, regions, or areas. It can also refer to the decorative edge of an object.

• They crossed the border into Canada last night.
• She planted flowers along the border of the garden.

Refers to the outermost point or limit of an object or area. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a critical or sharp quality.

• Be careful not to fall off the edge of the cliff.
• Her voice had an edge of desperation.

Denotes the final point or maximum extent of something. Often used in contexts involving numbers, capabilities, or time.

• There is a limit to how much weight this shelf can hold.
• The speed limit on this road is 50 miles per hour.

Use 'boundary' to refer to physical or abstract dividing lines, especially in geographical or organizational contexts.

• The river forms the boundary between the two countries
• She established clear boundaries between her professional and personal life

Use 'limit' when referring to the maximum allowable extent of something, can be quantitative or qualitative.

• There is a limit to how much data we can store on the server
• She had reached the limit of her patience

Use 'restriction' to talk about official rules or laws that control what people can or cannot do, often with a slight negative connotation.

• Travel restrictions were imposed during the pandemic
• The new restrictions on social media usage faced a lot of backlash

Use 'constraint' to indicate a limitation or restriction, often in the context of limitations on resources or capabilities.

• The project was delayed due to budget constraints
• Time constraints prevented them from finishing the task on schedule

Used to describe an invisible limit that separates different areas, territories, or concepts, often in legal, moral, or figurative contexts.

• The boundary between the two properties is marked by a fence.
• She respects the boundaries of their friendship.

Refers to the dividing line between two political or geographical areas, especially countries.

• We crossed the border into Canada.
• There are strict controls at the border.

Describes the outer limit of an object, area, or surface, often indicating the brink or verge of something.

• The cat sat on the edge of the table.
• They stood at the edge of the cliff, looking out over the ocean.

Refers to the maximum extent, amount, or boundary to which something can go, whether in quantity, degree, or condition.

• There's a limit to how much you can carry.
• He reached his limit and couldn't continue working.