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Circumscribe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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circumscribe

[ˈsɜːrkəmˌskraɪb ]

Definition

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In geometry, to circumscribe a shape means to draw a figure around it, touching all its points, like a circle around a triangle.
  • Circumscribed circles are used to find the center and radius of shapes for various calculations.
  • The concept is also applied in defining the limits of mathematical sets and functions.

Psychology

  • Circumscribing can describe limiting thoughts or behaviors in cognitive therapy, helping individuals define their challenges.
  • It's a technique used in personal development to help individuals set clear boundaries in relationships.
  • Understanding limits can enhance focus and reduce anxiety by providing clear expectations.

Literature

  • Writers often use circumscription as a literary device to create tension by outlining characters' limitations.
  • In poetry, the concept can represent the struggle against constraints – physical, emotional, or societal.
  • The idea appears in various works, highlighting characters that feel trapped by their circumstances.

Art

  • In visual arts, artists might circumscribe their canvas, defining the boundaries for their creative expression.
  • Circumscription can also refer to framing in photography, where the photographer sets limits on the scene captured within the camera's view.
  • The term can symbolize the struggle of artists against societal norms, attempting to redefine boundaries through their work.

Origin of 'circumscribe'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'circumscribere', which means 'to draw a line around'.
  • It combines 'circum', meaning 'around', and 'scribere', meaning 'to write'.
  • This term emphasizes the action of marking boundaries literally and metaphorically.

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.