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Circumscribe: meaning, definitions and examples

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circumscribe

 

[ ˈsɜːrkəmˌskraɪb ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

drawing limits

To circumscribe means to draw a line around something and define its limits. It can refer to limiting the scope of an area or concept, often implying that the boundaries are explicitly marked or restricted. This term is often used in mathematical contexts when discussing geometric figures, but can also apply more broadly to situations where limitations are imposed. In law or policy discussions, circumscribing can be a way to delineate regulations or restrictions.

Synonyms

define, draw boundaries, enclose, limit, restrict.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher circumscribed the project requirements.
  • The law circumscribes certain activities to protect public safety.
  • In geometry, the circle circumscribes the triangle.
  • The committee circumscribed the budget for the event.

Translations

Translations of the word "circumscribe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 circunscrever

🇮🇳 सीमित करना

🇩🇪 umgrenzen

🇮🇩 menghimpit

🇺🇦 обмежити

🇵🇱 określić

🇯🇵 制限する

🇫🇷 circonscrire

🇪🇸 circunscribir

🇹🇷 sınırlamak

🇰🇷 제한하다

🇸🇦 يحدد

🇨🇿 vymezit

🇸🇰 vyhraniť

🇨🇳 限制

🇸🇮 omejiti

🇮🇸 afmarka

🇰🇿 шеңберлеу

🇬🇪 შეზღუდვა

🇦🇿 məhdudlaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 circunscribir

Etymology

The word 'circumscribe' originated from the Latin 'circumscribere', which is a compound of 'circum' meaning 'around' and 'scribere' meaning 'to write'. Its introduction into the English language dates back to the early 15th century. The term was initially used in a mathematical context to describe the action of drawing a figure around another figure while touching it at certain points without crossing the boundary. Over the centuries, its usage expanded into various fields, including law, literature, and philosophy, signifying the act of defining or restricting boundaries, limits, or extents of concepts, ideas, and physical areas. This broadening reflects the term's adaptable nature in both technical and everyday language, signifying how language evolves in response to changing contexts and usages.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,997, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.