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boundary

BOWN-duh-ree /ˈbaʊn.dər.i/

nounB1SATACTTOEFLIELTS

neutral

A line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.

Can refer to physical lines (fences, rivers) or psychological/social limits that define acceptable behavior between people.

The story behind the word. Boundary entered English in the 17th century, adapting the older word 'bound' (from Old French 'bonde', a limit marker). It originally referred to physical landmarks like stones, trees, or posts that were ceremonially beaten or inspected once a year by villagers in a practice called 'beating the bounds'.

Word relationships

border: Border usually refers to geographic divisions between countries or states, while boundary is used for smaller properties or abstract limits.
limit: Limit refers to a point beyond which something cannot or should not go, whereas boundary is the physical or conceptual line itself.

center: The middle point of an area, furthest from any boundary.
interior: The inside region of a territory, as opposed to its boundary lines.

Commonly confused with

barrier: A barrier is a physical obstacle that blocks passage, while a boundary is simply a line of demarcation that may or may not be physically blocked.

Word family

bound (noun): A limit or boundary.
boundless (adjective): Having no limits; infinite.

Collocations

establish a boundary
cross a boundary
boundary line

Idioms & expressions

push the boundaries

Example sentences

"The surveyor was called to establish the exact boundary between the two properties before the fence was built." Property dispute
"Setting clear personal boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy relationships with your neighbors." Psychological advice

Memory hook

Think of a 'bound' (leap) that you cannot make because you are stopped by the 'boundary'. Boundary binds you to your side.

When not to use

Do not use when referring to a literal path or road unless that path specifically serves as the official dividing line.

Fun facts

In England, the ancient custom of 'beating the bounds' involved walking the parish boundaries and hitting local landmarks with willow rods to keep the memory of the boundary alive in the community.