Limits: meaning, definitions and examples

🚫

Add to dictionary

limits

[[ˈlɪmɪts] ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in mathematics

Restrictions or boundaries that define the scope or extent of a set, function, or equation.

Synonyms

boundaries, constraints, restrictions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
limits	Used to refer to the maximum extent or amount something can go or reach. Can be used in various contexts such as physical, mental, and legal. There are limits to how much weight a person can lift
boundaries	Often used to describe physical or abstract lines that define the edge or limit of something. Common in contexts like personal space, geographical areas, and relationships. It's important to set boundaries in a relationship to ensure mutual respect
restrictions	Indicates rules or regulations that limit someone's freedom. Often used in legal or formal contexts. Sometimes has a negative connotation. Travel restrictions were put in place due to the pandemic
constraints	Usually refers to limitations or restrictions that act as a control or bottleneck, especially in technical, operational, or project management contexts. Time constraints prevented them from completing the project on schedule

Examples of usage

Limits are used in calculus to define the behavior of a function near a certain point.
When approaching infinity, the limit of a function may tend towards a specific value.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general usage

A point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass.

Synonyms

boundary, ceiling, maximum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
limits	Used to describe the maximum extent, quantity, or level that something can reach. The speed limits on this road are clearly marked. We all have our limits when it comes to stress.
boundary	Refers to a line or border that marks the end of one area and the beginning of another, often used in geographical or abstract contexts. The river serves as the boundary between the two countries. Setting personal boundaries is important for maintaining healthy relationships.
ceiling	Usually describes the upper limit, especially in an indoor context or metaphorically to indicate a cap or the highest point something can reach. The ceilings in this house are very high. There's a glass ceiling in many industries that prevents women from advancing to top positions.
maximum	Indicates the greatest or highest amount possible or allowed, often used in a positive, quantifiable context. The maximum capacity of the hall is 500 people. She reached the maximum score on the test.

Examples of usage

There are limits to what one person can achieve in a day.
Human endurance has its limits.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

general usage

To set or serve as a point or boundary beyond which something should not or cannot go.

Synonyms

cap, constrain, restrict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
limits	General term used to denote boundaries or maximum extents, either physical, conceptual, or numerical. There are limits to what we can achieve in a day The speed limits in this area are strictly enforced
restrict	Implies placing strict limits on something, often used in contexts involving rules, laws, or policies. The new policies restrict access to the building after hours The doctor advised him to restrict his salt intake
constrain	Typically used to describe a restriction that limits freedom of action or choice, often implying a lack of flexibility. Financial difficulties constrained their ability to travel The design is constrained by regulatory requirements
cap	Used mostly in financial or regulatory contexts to set a maximum allowable amount. The company has a cap on the number of shares employees can buy There's a cap on the budget for this project

Examples of usage

We should limit our expenses to stay within the budget.
He limited his involvement in the project due to time constraints.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'limes', meaning 'boundary' or 'threshold', which refers to defining edges or limits.
In ancient Rome, 'limes' was also used to describe fortifications and borders between territories.

Psychology

Setting personal limits is crucial for mental health, helping individuals maintain healthy relationships and avoid burnout.
People often struggle with limits because of societal pressures that encourage overcommitment and constant availability.

Science

In physics, limits are used to describe the behavior of functions as they approach a specific point.
The concept of 'limiting factors' in ecology refers to conditions that restrict the growth of a population, like food scarcity or space.

Philosophy

Philosophers often explore the idea of limits as part of understanding human existence and the constraints of perception.
Existentialism discusses limits in terms of freedom, suggesting that recognizing constraints can lead to authentic living.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'The sky's the limit' is often used to inspire people to push beyond perceived boundaries.
Popular songs and films frequently explore themes of boundaries, highlighting struggles and triumphs associated with limits.

Translations

Translations of the word "limits" in other languages:

🇵🇹 limites

🇮🇳 सीमाएँ

🇩🇪 Grenzen

🇮🇩 batasan

🇺🇦 межі

🇵🇱 granice

🇯🇵 限界 (げんかい)

🇫🇷 limites

🇪🇸 límites

🇹🇷 sınırlar

🇰🇷 한계 (限界)

🇸🇦 حدود

🇨🇿 hranice

🇸🇰 hranice

🇨🇳 限制 (xiànzhì)

🇸🇮 meje

🇮🇸 takmörk

🇰🇿 шектеулер

🇬🇪 ზღვარი

🇦🇿 məhdudiyyətlər

🇲🇽 límites

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,418, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1415 opposite
1416 advance
1417 suitable
1418 limits
1419 testimony
1420 check
1421 arrived
...