Definition

1. Noun:

   • A point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass: The greatest amount, degree, or extent that is possible, allowed, or acceptable.
   • A restriction on the size or amount of something permissible or possible: A boundary or rule that confines or curtails.
   • (Mathematics) A value that a function or sequence "approaches" as the input or index approaches some value: The mathematical concept of a limit.

2. Verb:

   • To set or serve as a limit to: To restrict or confine something within certain boundaries.
   • To decide upon or fix definitely: To specify a particular quantity, time, or scope.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • There is a speed limit on this road. (A maximum allowed speed.)
  • He pushed his body to the limit during the marathon. (The utmost extent of his physical capacity.)
  • The city limits are marked by a sign. (The official boundary of the city.)

• Verb:

  • Please limit your speech to five minutes. (Restrict the length of your speech.)
  • The agreement limits the number of participants. (Sets a maximum number for participants.)
  • We must limit our spending this month. (Restrict or keep our expenses within a certain amount.)

Advanced Usage

• "The sky's the limit": An idiom meaning there is no upper bound or restriction; anything is possible.

  • With your talent, the sky's the limit for your career.

• "Within limits": To a reasonable or acceptable extent.

  • I'm willing to help, but only within limits.

• "Off limits": Not to be entered or used; prohibited.

  • The construction site is off limits to the public.

Variants and Related Words

• Limitation (n): A limiting rule or circumstance; a restriction. Also, the act of limiting.

  • The main limitation of the study was its small sample size.

• Limited (adj): Restricted in size, amount, or extent; not abundant or plentiful.

  • We have a limited amount of time to finish.

• Limitless (adj): Without end, limit, or boundary.

  • The possibilities seem limitless.

• Delimit (v): To determine the limits or boundaries of.

  • The treaty delimits the border between the two countries.

Synonyms

• Noun: Boundary, bound, restriction, cap, ceiling, maximum, threshold, extent.
• Verb: Restrict, confine, curb, cap, restrain, demarcate, define.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Limit to: To restrict something to a particular thing or group.
  • Discussion was limited to the main agenda items.

Related Idioms

• To the limit: To the greatest possible degree or extent.

  • He tested my patience to the limit.

• Know no limits / Have no limits: To be seemingly endless or boundless.

  • His ambition knows no limits.

Noun

1. the greatest amount of something that is possible or allowed
   • there are limits on the amount you can bet
   • it is growing rapidly with no limitation in sight
2. the mathematical value toward which a function goes as the independent variable approaches infinity
3. the boundary of a specific area
4. as far as something can go
5. final or latest limiting point
6. the greatest possible degree of something
   • what he did was beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior
   • to the limit of his ability

Verb

1. decide upon or fix definitely
   • fix the variables
   • specify the parameters
2. restrict or confine, "I limit you to two visits to the pub a day"
3. place limits on (extent or access)
   • restrict the use of this parking lot
   • limit the time you can spend with your friends