Limited Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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limited
[ˈlɪmɪtɪd ]
Definitions
in a specific context
Confined within limits; restricted or circumscribed. Limited can also refer to a company that has issued a finite amount of shares to the public.
Synonyms
bounded, circumscribed, confined, restricted.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| limited |
Suitable for general situations where there is a cap or maximum amount.
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| restricted |
Useful for official, legal, or regulated situations where there is a known and enforced limitation.
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| confined |
Used when referring to something that is physically or metaphorically trapped within certain boundaries, often with a negative connotation.
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| bounded |
Appropriate for mathematical, geographical, or physical boundaries.
|
| circumscribed |
Commonly used in formal or academic contexts to describe something that is strictly defined or restricted.
|
Examples of usage
- The team's success was limited by their lack of experience.
- Our company has a limited number of products available for sale.
- She felt limited in her career options.
in an action sense
To restrict or confine within certain limits. It can also refer to the act of making something finite or restricted.
Synonyms
confine, curb, regulate, restrict.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| limited |
Use this word to describe something that has a cap or boundary, often in quantity, amount, or scope. It can also imply a constraint but not necessarily a strict or severe one.
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| restrict |
Use this word for situations where you want to limit someone's actions or access, often implying rules or laws that establish these boundaries. It can carry a more negative connotation of imposed limitations.
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| confine |
This word is suitable when describing something that is trapped or kept within certain bounds or a location. It often implies a physical or metaphorical restriction that can feel severe or constraining.
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| regulate |
This word is best for formal or official situations where you want to indicate control or maintenance according to specific rules or standards. It can imply systematic and organized control.
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| curb |
Choose this word when you want to describe controlling or limiting something undesirable, often to prevent it from growing or worsening. It has a regulatory tone and often relates to behavior or actions.
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Examples of usage
- We need to limited the amount of sugar we consume.
- The company decided to limit the number of participants in the event.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Limited choices can often lead to better decision-making due to reduced overwhelm, a phenomenon known as 'choice overload'.
- Research indicates that people may prefer limited-time offers because it creates a sense of urgency, encouraging quicker decisions.
- Perceived limitations can sometimes boost creativity, forcing individuals to find new ways to solve problems.
Economics
- The concept of limited resources is a fundamental principle in economics, emphasizing scarcity in decision-making.
- Price ceilings and floors are government-imposed limits on how high or low prices can go in markets.
- In business, companies often operate under limited budgets, prompting the need for strategic allocation of funds.
Pop Culture
- The term is frequently used in marketing, such as 'limited edition' products, which can create excitement among consumers.
- Films and television often explore themes of limitation, like the struggle to achieve dreams within constraints.
- Songs often discuss feelings of limitation, using it as a metaphor for emotional or relational barriers.
Science
- In scientific contexts, limits are crucial in theories and experiments, helping define the range of application.
- The laws of thermodynamics introduce limits on energy transfer and transformation, emphasizing constraints in physical systems.
- In genetics, limited gene expression can affect the traits of organisms, showcasing biological boundaries.
Origin of 'limited'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'limited' comes from the Latin word 'limitatum', which means to mark a boundary.
- In Middle English, it took on forms like 'limitid', reflecting its connection to boundaries and constraints.
- The transition from Latin to modern usage in English shows the word's evolving meaning related to restrictions.
The word 'limited' originated from the Latin word 'limitatus', which means 'bounded'. It has been used in English since the 15th century, initially in the sense of being confined within boundaries. Over time, the usage extended to various contexts, including business and personal restrictions.
See also: delimit, limit, limitation, limitations, limiter, limiting, limitless, limitlessly, limitlessness, limits, nonlimiting, unlimited, unlimitedness.