limit
Definitions
The point or boundary beyond which something cannot or may not go; the greatest amount allowed
界限；极限；上限，最大限度
(usually plural) the edge defining an area or what is permitted
（常复数）范围；界线
To keep something within a fixed amount or scope; to restrict
限制；限定（在某范围内）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedThe bare root, from Latin līmes — the boundary path between fields, the line marking how far you may go. As a noun it is that line or maximum (speed limit); as a verb (from līmitāre, 'to set bounds') it is the act of drawing the line (limit your spending). One spelling carries both the boundary and the act of bounding.
Root limit still carries 4 more wordsUsage Guide
- limit on something — a cap: a limit on spending / a time limit
- limit to something — the boundary reached: the limit to my patience
- limit (verb) ... to — restrict within: limit yourself to two drinks
- off limits (idiom) — forbidden, past the allowed boundary: that room is off limits
- within limits — to a reasonable degree; the sky's the limit — no maximum
Example Sentences
- 1.
There's a strict speed limit of 30 miles per hour on this road.
- 2.
I've reached the limit of my patience with all these delays.
- 3.
The doctor told him to limit his salt intake to stay healthy.
- 4.
We need to limit the number of guests to fifty people.
Easily Confused
limit vs restrict — both narrow what's possible, but limit sets a fixed cap/amount (limit it to ten), while restrict controls access or freedom, often by rule (restrict access to staff). You limit a quantity; you restrict an activity or right.
Synonym Comparison
- limit — set a cap or boundary; broadest and most neutral
- restrict — control by rule, often access or freedom
- cap — set a strict upper number, often money: cap the budget
- curb — reduce/check something undesirable: curb spending, curb emissions
- confine — keep strictly within narrow bounds: confined to bed