boundary
/'baundəri/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A real or imagined line that marks the limit or extent of something; a dividing line: A boundary is a line that separates two areas, spaces, or things, indicating where one ends and another begins.
- A limit of a subject, activity, or sphere of action: A boundary can also refer to a conceptual limit, such as the acceptable limits of behavior or knowledge.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The river forms the natural boundary between the two countries. (The river serves as the dividing line separating the two nations.)
- It's important to set clear boundaries between your work life and your personal life. (It's important to establish clear limits separating your professional and private spheres.)
- His rude comments crossed a boundary. (His impolite remarks went beyond the limit of acceptable behavior.)
Advanced Usage
- "to push the boundaries": to try to go beyond the usual limits of something; to innovate or challenge norms.
- This new research pushes the boundaries of our understanding of physics. (This new research attempts to extend the limits of our knowledge in physics.)
- "within/beyond the boundaries of": inside or outside the limits of something.
- The discussion stayed within the boundaries of the agreed-upon topic. (The conversation remained inside the limits of the pre-established subject.)
Variants and Related Words
- Bound (noun/verb): Often used similarly to mean a limit or to form the boundary of something.
- His ambition knows no bounds. (His ambition has no limits.)
- Boundless (adjective): Having no boundaries; unlimited.
- She has boundless energy. (She has unlimited energy.)
Synonyms
- Border: The edge or boundary of something, often a geographic area.
- Limit: The point or line beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass.
- Frontier: A border between two countries, or the extreme limit of settled land beyond which lies wilderness.
Related Phrases
- Boundary line: A specific line marking a boundary.
- The surveyors marked the boundary line with stakes. (The surveyors indicated the dividing line with stakes.)
- Boundary dispute: A disagreement over where a boundary lies.
- The two farmers had a long-standing boundary dispute. (The two farmers had an enduring disagreement about the property line.)
Idioms
- "Overstep the boundary/mark": to go beyond what is considered acceptable or proper.
- I think his criticism overstepped the boundary and became personal. (I believe his criticism went beyond acceptable limits and became an attack on character.)
Noun
- the greatest possible degree of something
- what he did was beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior
- to the limit of his ability
- a line determining the limits of an area
- the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something