Constraint: meaning, definitions and examples

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constraint

[kənˈstreɪnt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mathematics

A restriction or limitation to the way a variable can behave or take on values.

Synonyms

limitation, restriction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
constraint	Often used in formal or technical situations to describe a limitation or restriction that influences how something can be done or achieved. The project must be completed within the constraints of the budget Time constraints forced us to finish earlier
restriction	Generally used to indicate rules or laws that limit what can be done, often imposed by an authority. It can have a negative connotation, implying an unwelcome limitation. The new travel restrictions have affected tourism in the region Dietary restrictions are necessary for his health
limitation	Used to indicate a restriction or boundary that defines the extent of something, often relating to capabilities or resources. It can also refer to a weakness or shortcoming. The new software has some limitations in terms of file compatibility His physical limitations did not stop him from achieving great things

Word

Description / Examples

constraint

Often used in formal or technical situations to describe a limitation or restriction that influences how something can be done or achieved.

The project must be completed within the constraints of the budget
Time constraints forced us to finish earlier

restriction

Generally used to indicate rules or laws that limit what can be done, often imposed by an authority. It can have a negative connotation, implying an unwelcome limitation.

The new travel restrictions have affected tourism in the region
Dietary restrictions are necessary for his health

limitation

Used to indicate a restriction or boundary that defines the extent of something, often relating to capabilities or resources. It can also refer to a weakness or shortcoming.

The new software has some limitations in terms of file compatibility
His physical limitations did not stop him from achieving great things

Examples of usage

The constraint of x > 0 limits the possible values for the variable x.
Under the given constraints, the solution to the equation is unique.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

computing

A condition that must be satisfied for a program to run correctly or for a system to operate as intended.

Synonyms

condition, requirement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
constraint	Used when referring to a limitation or restriction that impacts what can be done, typically in a negative or limiting context. The tight budget placed a constraint on the team's ability to hire new staff. Time constraints prevented the project from being completed on schedule.
condition	Used to describe a requirement or stipulation that must be met as part of an agreement or for something to occur. You can use my car on the condition that you fill up the gas tank after. One of the conditions of the loan is that you must start repayment within six months.
requirement	Used to describe something that is necessary or mandatory, typically in a formal or procedural context. A valid passport is a requirement for international travel. Meeting safety standards is a requirement for product approval.

Word

Description / Examples

constraint

Used when referring to a limitation or restriction that impacts what can be done, typically in a negative or limiting context.

The tight budget placed a constraint on the team's ability to hire new staff.
Time constraints prevented the project from being completed on schedule.

condition

Used to describe a requirement or stipulation that must be met as part of an agreement or for something to occur.

You can use my car on the condition that you fill up the gas tank after.
One of the conditions of the loan is that you must start repayment within six months.

requirement

Used to describe something that is necessary or mandatory, typically in a formal or procedural context.

A valid passport is a requirement for international travel.
Meeting safety standards is a requirement for product approval.

Examples of usage

The software failed to run due to a constraint in the system requirements.
To optimize performance, we need to remove the constraints in the code.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

general

To restrict or limit within certain boundaries or conditions.

Synonyms

limit, restrict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
constraint	This is a duplicate of the previous word and shares the same context. The budget constraints forced the team to cut down on expenses. Due to time constraints, we cannot extend the meeting.
restrict	Commonly used when someone is actively controlling or regulating something, often has a slightly negative implication. The new policy will restrict access to certain areas of the building. Parents should restrict their children’s screen time.
limit	Typically used to describe a maximum allowable amount, often more general and less formal than 'constraint'. There is a limit to how many guests you can invite to the event. The speed limit on this road is 50 miles per hour.

Word

Description / Examples

constraint

This is a duplicate of the previous word and shares the same context.

The budget constraints forced the team to cut down on expenses.
Due to time constraints, we cannot extend the meeting.

restrict

Commonly used when someone is actively controlling or regulating something, often has a slightly negative implication.

The new policy will restrict access to certain areas of the building.
Parents should restrict their children’s screen time.

limit

Typically used to describe a maximum allowable amount, often more general and less formal than 'constraint'.

There is a limit to how many guests you can invite to the event.
The speed limit on this road is 50 miles per hour.

Examples of usage

We must constrain our spending to stay within the budget.
She felt constrained by the rules imposed by the organization.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'constringere', which means 'to bind together'.
It first entered the English language in the 14th century, reflecting ideas of binding or restricting.
Over time, its usage expanded from physical bindings to abstract limitations in various fields.

Psychology

Constraints can influence decision-making by narrowing options, sometimes helping us focus better.
Studies show that people often perform better under constraints, as limits can spark creativity.
In psychology, the concept of 'cognitive constraints' refers to the mental limits we have when making choices.

Literature

Many poets use constraint as a literary device to enhance creativity, such as in sonnets or haikus.
Famous author George Orwell explored themes of constraint within societies in his dystopian works.
Constraints in narratives can create tension, engaging readers as they anticipate characters overcoming their limits.

Mathematics

In mathematical contexts, constraints define boundaries within optimization problems.
They are crucial in linear programming, where solutions must fit within specified limits.
Understanding constraints can lead to more efficient problem-solving strategies in mathematics.

Engineering

In engineering, constraints refer to limitations that affect design and functionality.
Engineers must consider physical constraints, such as materials and safety, when creating structures.
Project management in engineering often involves balancing constraints such as time, resources, and scope.

Translations

Translations of the word "constraint" in other languages:

🇵🇹 restrição

🇮🇳 प्रतिबंध

🇩🇪 Einschränkung

🇮🇩 batasan

🇺🇦 обмеження

🇵🇱 ograniczenie

🇯🇵 制約 (せいやく)

🇫🇷 contrainte

🇪🇸 restricción

🇹🇷 kısıtlama

🇰🇷 제약 (je-yak)

🇸🇦 قيود (quyud)

🇨🇿 omezení

🇸🇰 obmedzenie

🇨🇳 限制 (xiànzhì)

🇸🇮 omejitev

🇮🇸 takmörkun

🇰🇿 шектеу

🇬🇪 შეზღუდვა

🇦🇿 məhdudiyyət

🇲🇽 restricción

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,621 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6618 feasibility
6619 arguing
6620 forestry
6621 constraint
6622 deaf
6623 fans
6624 bite
...