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Constraints Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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constraints

[ˈkɒnstrɪnts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mathematical

Restrictions or limitations placed on a mathematical problem or situation.

Synonyms

boundaries, limitations, restrictions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
constraints

This is a repeated word. Refer to the previous entry for its context and examples.
limitations

Used to describe the inherent restrictions or weaknesses in a person, system, or process.

  • She is aware of her limitations and works to improve them.
  • Every system has its limitations that need to be evaluated.
restrictions

Used when referring to rules or laws that limit or control what can be done, often in legal, regulatory, or societal contexts.

  • There are strict restrictions on the use of this chemical.
  • Travel restrictions have been put in place due to the pandemic.
boundaries

Used to describe physical or metaphorical lines that separate areas, entities, or concepts, often in personal or geographic contexts.

  • Healthy relationships depend on respecting personal boundaries.
  • The river forms the boundary between the two countries.

Examples of usage

  • The constraints of the optimization problem must be satisfied for the solution to be valid.
  • The algorithm takes into account all the constraints to find the optimal solution.
Context #2 | Noun

general

Something that restricts or limits one's actions or behavior.

Synonyms

limitations, obstacles, restrictions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
constraints

Use in a general or academic context to describe limitations or restrictions that limit what you can do.

  • We faced several budget constraints that affected our project deadlines
restrictions

Commonly used in legal, regulatory, or formal settings to describe rules or laws that limit what you can do.

  • Due to new restrictions, we cannot hold large gatherings indoors
limitations

Often used to describe the inherent weaknesses or boundaries of something, especially in a performance context.

  • The new software has some limitations in terms of compatibility with older systems
obstacles

Best used to describe physical or metaphorical barriers that hinder progress. The term often implies a need to overcome these challenges.

  • We encountered several obstacles along the way, including rough terrain and bad weather

Examples of usage

  • Financial constraints prevented us from traveling this year.
  • Time constraints forced us to prioritize our tasks.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To restrict or limit something.

Synonyms

limit, restrain, restrict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
constraints

Used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about rules, regulations, or operational limitations.

  • The project faced several constraints that slowed down progress.
  • We need to operate within the legal constraints.
restrict

Used when talking about reducing or limiting access, movement, or activities; can have a negative connotation if implying undue limitation.

  • The new rules restrict the number of visitors to the museum.
  • The company decided to restrict access to certain websites during work hours.
limit

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the maximum or minimum allowed amount of something.

  • There is a limit to how much you can withdraw from the ATM in one day.
  • We need to set a time limit for this task.
restrain

Often implies holding back, controlling, or preventing someone or something from taking an action; can have a negative connotation if implying excessive control.

  • The police had to restrain the suspect.
  • She tried to restrain her excitement.

Examples of usage

  • We need to constrain our spending to stay within budget.
  • She felt constrained by the rules of society.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Constraints can influence decision-making, often causing people to think more creatively within set limits.
  • Research shows that being given specific constraints can lead to higher satisfaction with outcomes due to focused creativity.
  • In therapy, understanding constraints can help individuals identify patterns in their behavior that they might want to change.

Business

  • In project management, constraints are crucial as they can impact budget, timelines, and resources.
  • The popular 'Triple Constraints' model in project management emphasizes balancing scope, time, and cost.
  • Companies often use constraints to drive innovation, forcing teams to think outside the box to achieve goals within limits.

Art and Literature

  • Writers often use constraints, like sonnets, to inspire creativity and structure in poetry.
  • In visual arts, constraints such as specific color palettes can lead to unique interpretations and styles.
  • Famous artist Sol LeWitt created pieces solely based on written instructions, showcasing how constraints can lead to distinct artistic expressions.

Mathematics and Science

  • In mathematics, constraints define boundaries within which equations must be solved, impacting solutions significantly.
  • In science, constraints come into play during experiments to ensure validity and repeatability of results.
  • The laws of thermodynamics act as constraints on energy transformations, guiding scientists in their research.

Origin of 'constraints'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'constringere', meaning 'to bind together'.
  • It first appeared in English in the late Middle Ages, highlighting the idea of binding or tying back.
  • Over time, its usage broadened beyond physical bindings to include abstract limitations.

The word 'constraints' originates from the Latin word 'constringere', which means 'to bind together'. The concept of constraints has been prevalent in various fields such as mathematics, engineering, and economics, where limitations or restrictions play a crucial role in problem-solving and decision-making processes.

See also: unconstraint.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,001, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.