Delimit: meaning, definitions and examples

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delimit

[ dɪˈlɪmɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in mathematics

To fix the delimitation of; to mark the bounds of. To set the limits of; to confine within bounds. To fix or specify the limits of something.

Synonyms

define, demarcate, determine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
delimit

This word is often used in technical or scientific contexts where you need to set exact boundaries or limits.

  • The study aims to delimit the scope of the research question.
  • You need to delimit the area on the map where the construction will take place.
define

Use this word to explain the meaning of a term or a concept clearly and precisely.

  • It's important to define your goals before starting the project.
  • Can you define what you mean by 'success' in this context?
determine

This word is used when making a decision or establishing something after research or analysis. It can also mean to find out something with precision.

  • We need to determine the cause of the malfunction before proceeding.
  • The committee will determine the best course of action.
demarcate

This word is commonly used in contexts where establishing clear borders or distinctions is important, often in legal, political, or geographical settings.

  • The treaty was signed to demarcate the borders between the two countries.
  • The walls demarcate the different properties in the neighborhood.

Examples of usage

  • Please delimit the area of study for your research.
  • The government needs to delimit the boundaries of the national park.
  • We must delimit the scope of the project to stay within budget.
Context #2 | Verb

in programming

To separate or define the boundaries of a code block or segment. To set the beginning and end points of a section of code.

Synonyms

define, enclose, separate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
delimit

This word is typically used to describe setting clear boundaries or limits in a more formal or technical context, such as when defining areas of responsibility, territories, or data fields.

  • The map is used to delimit the borders of the national park.
  • In the code, the commas delimit the different values in the list.
separate

This word is used to talk about dividing or keeping things apart. It can refer to physical separation or more abstract forms like distinctions between ideas or categories.

  • A curtain was used to separate the two rooms.
  • It's important to separate your personal and professional life.
define

This word is used when specifying the meaning, nature, or limits of something. It can be used in both casual and formal situations, from explaining concepts to setting boundaries.

  • The contract clearly defines the terms of the agreement.
  • Can you define what you mean by 'success'?
enclose

This word is often used when referring to the act of surrounding or closing off on all sides. It's common in scenarios involving physical spaces or objects.

  • They decided to enclose the garden with a high fence.
  • Please enclose the documents in the envelope provided.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to delimit the function with curly braces.
  • You need to delimit the arguments in the function call.
  • The delimiting character in this string is the comma.

Translations

Translations of the word "delimit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 delimitar

🇮🇳 सीमा निर्धारित करना

🇩🇪 begrenzen

🇮🇩 membatasi

🇺🇦 обмежувати

🇵🇱 ograniczać

🇯🇵 区切る (kugiru)

🇫🇷 délimiter

🇪🇸 delimitar

🇹🇷 sınırlandırmak

🇰🇷 경계를 정하다 (gyeonggyeleul jeonghada)

🇸🇦 حدود

🇨🇿 ohraničit

🇸🇰 ohraničiť

🇨🇳 划定 (huàdìng)

🇸🇮 določiti meje

🇮🇸 afmarka

🇰🇿 шектеу

🇬🇪 შეზღუდვა

🇦🇿 məhdudlaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 delimitar

Etymology

The word 'delimit' originates from the Latin word 'delimitare', formed from 'de-' (from) and 'limitare' (to limit). It first appeared in English in the early 19th century. The concept of delimiting boundaries or setting limits has been crucial in various fields such as mathematics, programming, and research.

See also: limit, limitation, limitations, limited, limiter, limiting, limitless, limitlessly, limitlessness, limits, nonlimiting, unlimited, unlimitedness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,344, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.