Constrained Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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constrained
[kənˈstreɪnd ]
Definitions
in a limited way
Forced to face the reality of a constrained budget, the company had to make some difficult decisions.
Synonyms
bound, limited, restrained, restricted.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| constrained |
Used when someone or something is forced or obliged to follow a certain course of action, often due to limitations or external pressures.
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| restricted |
Used to describe something that is controlled or limited in access or movement, often by rules or regulations. Can have a negative connotation if it implies undue limitation.
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| limited |
Refers to something that has clear boundaries or restrictions in quantity, extent, or capability.
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| bound |
Often used to describe something that is tied or secured, or someone who is obliged to do something by law, duty, or contract.
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| restrained |
Indicates controlled or held back behavior, emotions, or actions, often to avoid excessiveness or to maintain decorum.
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Examples of usage
- The students felt constrained by the strict rules of the school.
- She felt constrained in expressing her true feelings.
to restrict or limit
The new regulations constrained the company's ability to expand.
Synonyms
confine, limit, restrain, restrict.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| restrict |
Used to define placing specific limitations or prohibitions on actions, behaviors, or movements. Often used in rules, regulations, or specific controls.
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| restrain |
Used to describe holding back or keeping under control, usually in a physical or emotional sense. Often has a sense of preventing someone or something from acting freely.
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| limit |
Used to express setting a maximum, a boundary or an endpoint that should not be exceeded. This word can be employed in a wide range of situations, from physical to abstract concepts.
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| confine |
Used when referring to keeping someone or something within boundaries. It often implies a physical boundary or space, and can suggest a sense of imprisonment or limitation with more negative connotations.
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Examples of usage
- The contract constrained the artist from displaying her work elsewhere.
- Try not to feel too constrained by the rules.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychological contexts, feeling constrained can impact mental health, leading to stress or anxiety.
- The concept of 'cognitive constraints' refers to limitations in thinking caused by societal norms or personal experiences.
- Research in behavioral psychology shows that when options are constrained, it can lead to decision fatigue.
Pop Culture
- In many movies, characters often feel constrained by their circumstances, sparking their desire to break free or change their lives.
- Songs frequently use the concept of feeling constrained to express emotions around love, freedom, and societal expectations.
- Television shows often depict characters in constrained situations, forming the basis for drama and character development.
Science
- In physics, constraints refer to limitations placed on the movement of objects, crucial for understanding mechanics.
- Biologists might refer to environmental constraints that limit an organism's growth or survival in a specific habitat.
- In computer science, constraints often describe the limitations on data input, affecting the programming and algorithms.
Literature
- Authors often use 'constrained' to convey a character's emotional state, framing their struggles in narratives.
- In poetry, constraints can involve specific forms or structures that the poet must adhere to while expressing their message.
- Classic literature frequently explores themes of constraint as characters navigate societal rules or personal dilemmas.
Origin of 'constrained'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'constrained' comes from the Latin 'constringere', which means to tie together or bind.
- It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something that is restricted or limited.
- The prefix 'con-' means 'together,' while the root 'stringere' means 'to bind or draw tight.'
The word 'constrained' has its origins in the late Middle English period, derived from the past participle of the verb 'constrain'. The term has been used to describe limitations or restrictions in various contexts, highlighting the idea of being bound or restricted in some way. Over time, 'constrained' has evolved to encompass a sense of being confined or limited within certain boundaries.
See also: constrain, constrainedly, constrainer, constraining, constraint, unconstrained.