Constraint: meaning, definitions and examples

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constraint

 

[ kənˈstreɪnt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

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

Synonyms

limitation, restriction

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

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

Examples of usage

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

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

Etymology

The word 'constraint' originated from the Latin word 'constringere', which means 'to bind together'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of constraint has been prominent in various fields such as mathematics, computing, and psychology, highlighting the importance of limitations and restrictions in defining boundaries and guiding behavior.

See also: constrain, constrained, constrainedly, constrainer, constraining, unconstrained.

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.