What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
periphery
Example
The new factory is located on the periphery of the city. [periphery: noun]
Example
She only skimmed the periphery of the topic during her presentation. [periphery: noun]
boundary
Example
The fence marks the boundary between our property and the neighbor's. [boundary: noun]
Example
There are no boundaries to what you can achieve if you put your mind to it. [boundaries: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boundary is more commonly used than periphery in everyday language. Boundary is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while periphery is less common and often used in a figurative sense.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between periphery and boundary?
Both periphery and boundary are formal words that can be used in academic or professional settings. However, boundary may be more commonly used in legal or technical contexts, while periphery may be more commonly used in literary or artistic contexts.