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Constraining: meaning, definitions and examples

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constraining

 

[kənˈstreɪnɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

limiting

Forcing someone to follow a particular course of action, often by creating restrictions or limitations.

Synonyms

limiting, restraining, restricting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
constraining

Used in situations where actions, emotions, or processes are held back or limited by external or internal factors.

  • The rules are constraining our ability to innovate.
  • Fear of failure can be very constraining.
restricting

Similar to limiting but often implies more formal or authoritative control over movement or actions.

  • New regulations are restricting access to the area.
  • The diet is about restricting certain foods.
limiting

Used to indicate a reduction in options or space; making something smaller or less in terms of quantity, degree, or scope.

  • Time limitations are affecting our project.
  • The new policy is limiting our choices.
restraining

Often used to describe holding back someone or something from taking a certain action; can also have physical implications.

  • The teacher had to restrain the students from fighting.
  • Financial difficulties are restraining our growth.

Examples of usage

  • He felt constrained to accept the job offer, even though it wasn't his first choice.
  • The strict rules were constraining their creativity.
  • Constraining people's freedom is never a good idea.
Context #2 | Adjective

restrictive

Causing someone to feel restricted or limited in their actions or choices.

Synonyms

limiting, restraining, restrictive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
constraining

Used when something is forcing or heavily influencing limitations.

  • The constraining regulations made it difficult for small businesses to thrive.
  • His injuries were constraining his ability to play sports.
restrictive

Typically used to describe something that is putting severe limitations on freedom or behavior, often with a slightly negative connotation.

  • The new policy is highly restrictive and unpopular among employees.
  • The restrictive diet left him feeling constantly hungry.
limiting

Used when referring to something that sets boundaries or reduces options or possibilities.

  • The low budget was limiting our travel plans.
  • His job was limiting his time with family.
restraining

Used when referring to holding something back, often having a controlled or suppressive implication.

  • The security guards were restraining the angry crowd.
  • Her inhibitions were restraining her from expressing herself fully.

Examples of usage

  • The constraining regulations made it difficult for small businesses to thrive.
  • She found the constraining environment stifling.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'constringere', which means to tie or bind together.
  • First used in English during the 14th century, it described physical limitations before evolving to include abstract ideas.

Psychology

  • Constraining emotions can lead to increased stress as people may feel trapped or unable to express themselves.
  • Cognitive constraints can affect decision-making, as the limits placed on options can hinder creativity and innovation.

Law

  • In legal contexts, constraining refers to restrictions placed on freedoms, such as curfews or zoning laws.
  • Various legal measures are often constructed to actively constrain practices deemed harmful or unfair.

Social Dynamics

  • Cultural norms can be constraining, affecting how individuals behave in social situations without them even realizing it.
  • Some relationships can be constraining; they may keep people from exploring their own interests or pursuing personal goals.

Science

  • In physics, constraining forces are essential for maintaining the stability of structures, affecting how they bear loads.
  • Biological systems can be constrained by environmental factors, influencing species’ adaptations and behaviors.

Translations

Translations of the word "constraining" in other languages:

🇵🇹 limitando

🇮🇳 सीमित करना

🇩🇪 einschränkend

🇮🇩 membatasi

🇺🇦 обмежуючий

🇵🇱 ograniczający

🇯🇵 制限する (seigen suru)

🇫🇷 contraignant

🇪🇸 restringiendo

🇹🇷 kısıtlayıcı

🇰🇷 제한하는 (jehan haneun)

🇸🇦 مقيد

🇨🇿 omezující

🇸🇰 obmedzujúci

🇨🇳 限制的 (xiànzhì de)

🇸🇮 omejujoč

🇮🇸 takmarkandi

🇰🇿 шектеуші

🇬🇪 შემზღუდველი

🇦🇿 məhdudlaşdıran

🇲🇽 restringiendo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,967, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.