Confines
/kənˈfaɪnz/
nounverbB2plural (for noun), third person singular present (for verb)
Definition
As a noun, "confines" means the edges or boundaries of a place where something is contained or limited. It shows where something ends or where it is kept inside. As a verb, "to confine" means to keep someone or something inside a certain area or to limit their freedom or actions.
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⚡ See It in Action
Limits or borders of a physical space
- •The garden lies within the confines of the property.
- •They stayed within the confines of the building during the storm.
- •The prisoner was kept inside the confines of the cell.
Limits or restrictions on actions or freedom (verb: to confine)
- •The rules confine employees to working only during office hours.
- •She was confined to her room because of illness.
- •The discussion was confined to the main topic only.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "confines" like "borders," but for any space or situation, not just countries
- ✓Picture a small box or room where a person or object cannot go outside
- ✓It's the feeling of being inside a small space where you cannot move freely
- ✓Sounds like "con-fines" → imagine a "cone" that "finishes" your space, stopping you at the edges
- ✓Think of a pet dog kept inside a fenced yard — the fence is the "confines" keeping the dog inside
- ✓NOT like "open space" (no limits), "confines" means there ARE limits or borders
- ✓NOT like "freedom" (no restrictions), "confines" means limits and control
- ✓NOT like "fence" only physical, "confines" can be physical or abstract (like rules or time limits)
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Boundaries: edges or borders of an area (Use when emphasizing clear dividing lines)
- •Limits: points beyond which something cannot go (Use for general restrictions or maximums)
- •Restrictions: rules that limit actions or choices (Use when focusing on rules or laws that confine behavior)
- •Enclose: to surround or close off (Use as a verb when something is physically surrounded)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "con-" (together, with) + root "fine" from Latin "finis" meaning end or limit
- •Etymology: From Latin "confinium," meaning shared border or boundary
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe borders between lands; later extended to limits of space or freedom
- •Modern usage: Used both as noun (physical or abstract limits) and verb (to keep within limits or restrict)
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How do the "confines" of a place affect how people feel or behave inside it?
•Can "confines" be helpful or harmful? In what situations might limits or boundaries be good?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The prisoners were kept within the ___ of the prison walls to prevent escape.
2.When sick, she was ___ to bed and could not leave the room.
3.The meeting was ___ to the ___ of discussing only urgent matters.
4.Unlike open parks, the zoo has ___ that keep animals in specific areas.
5.The artist felt limited by the ___ of traditional styles but wanted to try something new.
6.Employees are often ___ by company policies that set strict ___ on their work hours.
7.The children played happily inside the ___ of their backyard, safe from traffic.