bounds
n. C / U C1 Advanced US //ˈbaʊndz// UK //bˈaʊndz// bounds
n. the limits or rules that define what is acceptable or possible. You use this word to talk about staying within a certain area or following social rules.
n. the limits or boundaries of something, especially in an abstract or social context. Often used in fixed phrases to describe the extent of acceptable behavior or logical possibility.
His rude behavior was beyond the bounds of politeness.
The committee decided that the new proposal was well within the bounds of the current budget.
While the artist pushed the limits of the medium, her latest installation remains within the bounds of traditional aesthetic theory.
Usage
Usually plural in this sense; frequently appears in the prepositional phrases 'within the bounds of' or 'beyond the bounds of'.