What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ceil
Example
We need to ceil the number of attendees to 100 for safety reasons. [ceil: verb]
Example
The company decided to ceil the budget at $500,000 to ensure financial stability. [ceil: verb]
limit
Example
The speed limit on this road is 60 miles per hour. [limit: noun]
Example
I need to limit my sugar intake for health reasons. [limit: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Limit is more commonly used than ceil in everyday language. Limit is a versatile word that can be applied to different contexts and is widely understood by native English speakers. Ceil, on the other hand, is less common and is primarily used in technical or mathematical discussions.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ceil and limit?
While ceil is associated with a more technical and formal tone, limit is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more flexible and accessible word for ESL learners.