periphery
puh-RIF-er-ee
/pəˈrɪfəri/
The outer boundary, edge, or outer surface of a region, area, or object.
Highlights secondary status or outer position relative to a central core.
The story behind the word. Derived from Ancient Greek 'periphereia', meaning carrying around or circumference. In geometry and geography, it designated the outer path drawn around a central space.
Word relationships
- margin: Margin refers specifically to the immediate border or edge, while periphery can describe an entire outer belt.
- outskirts: Outskirts is an informal plural noun specifically for cities, whereas periphery is a formal scientific or academic term.
- core: Core refers to the central, vital heart of a structure or system.
Commonly confused with
- periphery vs boundary: Boundary is the legal dividing line; periphery is the broader general outer region.
Word family
- peripheral (adjective): Relating to or situated on the edge or periphery.
Collocations
- urban periphery
- outer periphery
- on the periphery
- periphery line
Example sentences
- "Manufacturing warehouses were relocated to the urban periphery where land prices and shipping costs were significantly lower." Regional Economics
Memory hook
PERI (around) + PHERY (carrying) = carrying a line all the way around the outside. Peripheral vision sees things on the outer edges.
When not to use
Do not use to describe central or focal points of interest.
Fun facts
- In international development economics, 'Core-Periphery theory' describes how wealthy countries extract raw materials from peripheral nations.
Explore more words
Peripheral, outskirts, marginalization, marginalize, marginalized, hinterland
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