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Circumscribed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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circumscribed

[ˈsəːkəmˌskrʌɪb ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics

Restricted or limited in scope or extent; having defined limits.

Synonyms

bounded, limited, restricted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circumscribed

Typically used in a more formal or academic context to describe something that has been carefully defined, often limiting its scope or range.

  • The study's focus was circumscribed to the effects of climate change on agriculture
  • The artist's creativity was circumscribed by the art commission's strict guidelines
limited

Commonly used to indicate that something is restricted in size, amount, or extent. It can have both neutral and negative connotations depending on context.

  • We have a limited amount of time to finish the project
  • His knowledge of the subject is quite limited
restricted

This word often has a negative connotation, implying that something is being constrained by external rules or limitations. Used frequently in legal, security, or regulatory contexts.

  • Access to the building is restricted to authorized personnel only
  • The new policy has restricted our ability to work from home
bounded

Used to describe something that has clear physical or abstract boundaries, often implying natural or easy-to-see borders.

  • The garden is bounded by a white picket fence
  • His responsibilities at the company are bounded by his job description

Examples of usage

  • The circumscribed circle of a triangle is the circle that passes through all three vertices of the triangle.
  • The circumscribed angle of a polygon is the angle formed by two adjacent sides with a common vertex that lie outside the polygon.
Context #2 | Verb

formal

To restrict within limits.

Synonyms

confine, limit, restrict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circumscribed

Usually employed in formal or academic writing to describe something that is clearly defined or limited in scope or boundaries.

  • The authority of the committee is circumscribed by the terms of the contract.
  • His influence in the company was circumscribed to financial matters.
restrict

Typically used when there's an intentional and often legal or policy-driven effort to control or reduce access or movement. This can sometimes imply a sense of enforced control.

  • The law restricts the sale of alcohol to minors.
  • They restrict access to sensitive information.
limit

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to denote setting boundaries or reducing the extent of something.

  • The company needs to limit expenditures this quarter.
  • She tried to limit her sugar intake.
confine

Often used when talking about restricting someone or something to a particular place or context. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation.

  • The patient was confined to his bed for several weeks.
  • They tried to confine their conversation to work-related topics.

Examples of usage

  • The government's power is circumscribed by the constitution.
  • Her authority as a manager is circumscribed by company policy.

Translations

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

Origin of 'circumscribed'

The word 'circumscribed' comes from the Latin word 'circumscribere', which means 'to draw a line around'. In mathematics, the term is used to describe figures that are enclosed within a boundary or limit. The concept of circumscription has been integral to geometry and formal logic, where boundaries and constraints play a crucial role in defining shapes and properties. Over time, the term has evolved to also encompass the idea of limiting or restricting something within specified bounds.

See also: ascribe, inscribed, prescribe, scribble, scribe, scribes, scribing, scrivener, subscribe, subscriber, subscription, transcribe.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,838, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.