circumscription
/,sə:kəm'skripʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The act of circumscribing: The action of drawing a line around something, or of limiting or restricting something.
- A limitation or restriction: A boundary or limit that is set, often a formal or defined one.
- An inscription around a coin or seal: A line of words or symbols engraved around the edge of a coin, medal, or seal.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The circumscription of the king's power was a key goal of the new constitution. (The limitation of the king's power was a key goal of the new constitution.)
- The coin's value and origin were indicated by its circumscription. (The coin's value and origin were indicated by the words engraved around its edge.)
- The botanist studied the circumscription of the species, noting its precise geographical range. (The botanist studied the defined boundaries of the species, noting its precise geographical range.)
Advanced Usage
- In taxonomy and biology: Refers to the definition of the limits of a taxonomic group, describing what is included within a species, genus, or other classification.
- The circumscription of the genus Rosa has been debated by botanists for decades.
- In formal or literary contexts: Can describe the act of enclosing or surrounding something with a boundary.
- The ancient wall served as a circumscription for the sacred city.
Variants and Related Words
- Circumscribe (verb): To restrict within limits; to draw a line around.
- Laws circumscribe our actions.
- Circumscriptive (adjective): Serving to circumscribe; limiting.
- The rules were intentionally circumscriptive.
Synonyms
- Limitation: A restriction on the size or amount of something.
- Restriction: A limiting condition or measure.
- Boundary: A line that marks the limits of an area.
- Definition: The act of making something clear or distinct, especially in setting boundaries.
Related Phrases
- To place a circumscription on: To impose a limit or restriction on something.
- The treaty placed a strict circumscription on the number of permitted troops.
Related Idioms
- Within the circumscription of: Within the defined limits or boundaries of.
- You must operate within the circumscription of the law.
Noun
- the act of circumscribing