Periphery: meaning, definitions and examples

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periphery

[pəˈrɪf(ə)ri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

on the edge of something

The outer limits or edge of an area or object; the boundary or outskirts.

Synonyms

boundary, edge, outskirts.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
periphery	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
edge	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
boundary	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
outskirts	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

Examples of usage

The house is located on the periphery of the city.
The periphery of the forest is home to many different species.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in relation to a central point

The outer parts or regions of a subject or sphere; not central or of primary importance.

Synonyms

fringe, margin, perimeter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
periphery	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.
fringe	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.
margin	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.
perimeter	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.

Examples of usage

The periphery of the conversation touched on important issues.
He operates on the periphery of the art world.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Greek 'peripheria,' which means 'to carry around.'
It was introduced into English in the early 19th century, primarily in a medical context.
The prefix 'peri-' denotes 'around' while 'phery' comes from the Greek word 'pherein,' meaning 'to bear' or 'to carry.'

Science

In biology, the term often refers to peripheral systems such as the peripheral nervous system, which connects the brain to the rest of the body.
Environmental science may use 'periphery' to describe areas outside central urban regions where ecosystems can flourish.
In physics, ‘periphery’ can describe the edge of a rotating object, affecting its motion and energy distribution.

Art and Literature

Artists may depict peripheral themes to explore what lies outside societal norms, evoking a sense of alienation.
In literature, peripheral characters are often used to highlight or contrast with the main characters, adding depth to the story.
The concept of periphery is explored in post-colonial literature to discuss the experiences of marginalized voices.

Psychology

In psychology, visuals at the periphery of your vision can provide insights into how we process information outside our main focus.
Attention theory studies how peripheral cues can influence behaviors and decisions even when not fully perceived.
Research suggests that our subconscious often reacts to elements on the periphery before our conscious mind registers them.

Society

In discussions about urban planning, 'periphery' can refer to suburbs or areas on the edge of cities, often affecting social dynamics.
The term is frequently used in sociopolitical contexts to describe marginalized communities that exist at the edges of mainstream society.
Cultural periphery can denote artistic or musical movements that arise in locations outside major urban centers.

Translations

Translations of the word "periphery" in other languages:

🇵🇹 periferia

🇮🇳 परिधि

🇩🇪 Peripherie

🇮🇩 pinggiran

🇺🇦 периферія

🇵🇱 peryferia

🇯🇵 周辺 (しゅうへん)

🇫🇷 périphérie

🇪🇸 periferia

🇹🇷 çevre

🇰🇷 주변 (주변부)

🇸🇦 محيط

🇨🇿 periferie

🇸🇰 periféria

🇨🇳 外围 (wàiwéi)

🇸🇮 periferija

🇮🇸 jaðar

🇰🇿 шет аймақ

🇬🇪 პერიფერია

🇦🇿 kənar

🇲🇽 periferia

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,209 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8206 dielectric
8207 theatrical
8208 tort
8209 periphery
8210 substituting
8211 cancel
8212 obtainable
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