Peripheral
/pəˈrɪfərəl/
adjectivenounB2
Definition
Peripheral describes things that are not in the center but around the edges or borders of something. When used as an adjective, it means not the main or most important part, but something on the side or outside. As a noun, especially in technology, it refers to devices like a mouse or printer that connect to a computer but are not part of the main machine.
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See It in Action
At the edge or outside of something, not central or main
- •She noticed a peripheral movement in the corner of her eye.
- •The peripheral areas of the city are less busy than the center.
- •Peripheral vision helps you see things beside you without turning your head.
A device connected to a computer but not part of its main system
- •The printer is a peripheral device connected to my laptop.
- •You need to install drivers to use a new peripheral like a webcam.
- •Keyboards and mice are common computer peripherals.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "peripheral" like "side" or "edge," but more formal and used for things around the main part
- ✓Picture looking straight ahead and seeing things clearly; things on the side, at the edge of your sight, are peripheral
- ✓It's the feeling when you notice something out of the corner of your eye but not in your main focus
- ✓Sounds like "pair-ih-FEAR-uhl" → imagine a "pair" of eyes looking mostly forward but also seeing at the "fearful" edges where things are less clear
- ✓Think of a computer screen: the main screen is central, but the mouse or keyboard connected to it are peripheral devices
- ✓NOT like "central" (in the middle and most important) but "peripheral" is at the outside or less important part
- ✓NOT like "main" or "core," peripheral means extra or on the border, not the focus
Try Other Words
- •Marginal: at the edge or less important (Use when emphasizing less importance or small effect)
- •Outer: on the outside or far from the center (Use when focusing on physical location at the edge)
- •External: coming from outside (Use when meaning something is outside another thing, often physically)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "peri-" (around, near) + "pheral" from "pherein" (to carry or bear) → meaning "around the edge"
- •Etymology: From Greek "peripheria," meaning circumference or outer boundary
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1600s to describe things around the edge or border
- •Modern usage: Used in medicine, technology, and everyday language to describe things on the edge or extra devices connected to computers
Reflect & Connect
•How does understanding "peripheral" help you notice things you don't focus on directly in daily life?
•Can something peripheral be very important sometimes, even if it is not in the center?
Fill in the blanks
1.She saw a ___ movement in her peripheral vision but didn’t turn her head.
2.The city center is busy, but the ___ areas are quieter and less crowded.
3.A mouse is a common peripheral device that connects ___ a computer.
4.Peripheral vision allows you to see things ___ your direct line of sight.
5.The technician checked if the new peripheral was properly ___ to the laptop.
6.Unlike central vision, peripheral vision is less clear but ___ for safety.
7.When you focus on a book, objects in your peripheral view are usually ___ noticed.