Word
confined
Phoneticscon·fined, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈfaɪnd/
UK/kənfˈaɪnd/
Definitions
01restricted to a small space
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describes a space that is very small or narrow, making you feel trapped.
adj. describing a space that is limited in extent or narrow, often creating a sense of enclosure.
“It was difficult to work in such a confined space with three other people.”
“The researchers had to operate in the confined quarters of the submarine for six months, which tested their psychological endurance.”
Synonyms
02unable to leave a place
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine
adj. forced to stay in a place, often a bed or a wheelchair, because of illness or injury.
adj. restricted to a specific location or piece of furniture due to physical incapacity or medical necessity.
“After his surgery, he was confined to a wheelchair for several weeks.”
“The patient remained confined to her bed while the doctors monitored the effects of the new medication on her heart rate.”
Synonyms
03to keep within limits
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to keep someone or something inside a certain area or to limit an activity.
v. to keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits of space, scope, or quantity.
“The police confined the protesters to a small area outside the park.”
“The discussion was strictly confined to the financial aspects of the merger, ignoring the potential cultural impact on the employees.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice with the preposition 'to'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “confined” in context.
Real-World Examples
“The process is very similar to how a typical tornado forms, though fire tornadoes tend to be smaller and, because they feed off the heat, confined to the fire area.” “It begins with Schaal confined to a cardboard refrigerator-cum-horsebox, shyly announcing herself to the crowd.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/confined