circumscribe Definition
- 1restrict (something) within limits
- 2draw (a figure) around another, touching it at points but not cutting it
Using circumscribe: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "circumscribe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The government's power is circumscribed by the constitution.
Example
The artist circumscribed the circle with a square.
Example
The company's budget constraints circumscribe their ability to expand.
Example
The rules of the game circumscribe the players' actions.
circumscribe Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with circumscribe
circumscribe one's options
limit one's choices or possibilities
Example
The tight deadline circumscribed our options for the project.
define or identify the boundaries or scope of a problem
Example
The team worked to circumscribe the problem before developing a solution.
draw a figure around a circle, touching it at points but not cutting it
Example
The students were asked to circumscribe a circle with a square.
Origins of circumscribe
from Latin 'circumscribere', meaning 'to draw a line around'
Summary: circumscribe in Brief
The verb 'circumscribe' [ˈsəːkəmskrʌɪb] means to restrict something within limits or draw a figure around another, touching it at points but not cutting it. It is often used to describe limitations on power, budget, or options, as in 'The government's power is circumscribed by the constitution.' 'Circumscribe' can also refer to drawing figures, as in 'The artist circumscribed the circle with a square.'
