Periphery: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the outer limits or edges of an area, often referring to the less central or less important areas.

• She lived on the periphery of the city, far from the bustling downtown
• The issue was only on the periphery of our concerns

Describes the outermost point or line of something, often with an implication of sharpness or precision. Can also mean the brink of a situation.

• He stood at the edge of the cliff, looking down at the waves
• The knife had a very sharp edge

Refers to a dividing line that marks the limits of an area. Often used in geographic, political, or personal contexts.

• The river forms the boundary between the two countries
• She respected his boundaries and didn't ask personal questions

Typically refers to the outer parts of a town or city, which are often less developed or populated.

• They bought a house on the outskirts of the city
• The factory is located on the outskirts, away from residential areas

Used to describe the outer edges or boundaries of an area or object, often implying a sense of being secondary or less central.

• New developments are planned on the periphery of the city.
• He stood on the periphery of the group, listening to the conversation.

Commonly used to describe the outer, less important parts of an area, a group or a discussion. Can also refer to unconventional or non-mainstream culture or groups with negative connotations if describing extremism.

• She lives on the fringe of the city.
• His ideas were considered too fringe for the mainstream scientific community.

Typically used in a physical, metaphorical or economic context to describe the border or edge. Can also refer to the empty space at the edges of a page, or the amount by which something is won or lost in a competition.

• He wrote notes in the margin of the page.
• They won the game by a narrow margin.

Often used in a geometric or security context to describe the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure or the boundary of an area.

• The security guards patrolled the perimeter of the building.
• They measured the perimeter of the field to calculate the fencing required.